The short version
- Ingrid Gjessing Linhave (46) makes her debut as a musical artist in the autumn. She takes over the role of Miss Hannigan in “Annie” at Folketeateret in Oslo
- NRK has given her leave to participate in the musical
- Gjessing Linhave had to withdraw from the TV screen this winter due to the family situation following his father Einar Gjessing’s dementia
- Dementia is still a struggle for her, and she is in regular contact with relatives from the “Dementia Choir”
- Has always had a dream of stage life, has attended the Paul McCartney school in Liverpool, among other things
Sea view
In the autumn, she takes over the role of Miss Hannigan in “Annie” from Henriette Steenstrup at Folketeateret in Oslo.
– I answered yes right away. There are all these dreams I have and this is one of them. I am a permanent employee of NRK, but they are very kind and gave me leave to do this, says Ingrid Gjessing Linhave.
Actually, she should have been on the TV screen this winter to follow up the smash success with “Dementia Choir” on NRK. But last summer she had to retire when her father Einar got worse from his dementia.
Just over a week ago, Einar Gjessing died.
Also read: Ingrid Gjessing Linhave will not appear in the new season of “Dementia Choir”
– It was the relative situation that made me have to resign. The series created a rush of inquiries from thousands of people who wanted to talk about their situation or ask for help and advice, she says and at the same time admits that she burned the candle at both ends when she tried to answer everyone.
FROM BLID TO OLM: Ingrid Gjessing Linhave is unlikely to smile as widely as Miss Hannigan in “Annie”. Photo: Thomas Andreassen / VG
– In the end I did not sleep, and it became clear to me that I was not able to be on standby and be a carer both privately and at work. I villebut I simply went with a bang and took time to get back up, says Ingrid Gjessing Linhave.
Also read: Ingrid Gjessing Linhave’s dementia is touching: – You eventually become completely exhausted and powerless
Dementia is still a struggle for her, she says. Gjessing Linhave has regular contact with the relatives from the first season and is impressed by how they work against Norwegian politicians.
– It’s as if they have a doctorate in dementia and work very actively to influence dementia care and inform politicians so they understand what the specific needs are, she says, and adds:
– And then they work to create more knowledge about the role of relatives. Because it is quite special when you live close to dementia. I am so passionate about this!
NRK’s ”Dementia Choir” received the audience award during the Gullruten 2023:
What many may not know is that Ingrid Gjessing Linhave is also passionate about the song. Ever since she played in “Showboat” against Anders Baasmo Christiansen at Romerike Folkehøgskole, she has dreamed of the sloping shores.
That led her to, among other things, the Paul McCartney school in Liverpool, LIPA.
WILL FILL THE BENCH ROWS: Ingrid Gjessing Linhave will be Miss Hannigan in “Annie”. Photo: Thomas Andreassen / VG
– I went to Liverpool with a red suitcase and chewing gum in my mouth, afraid of the dark and with pigtails. The first thing I heard when I got there was that two girls had just been raped where I lived…
It was more than enough for Ingrid Gjessing Linhave to never feel completely safe in Liverpool.
– I loved school, but my free time was spent drawing doodles. I missed my family so much. Cry and cry, she says and shakes her head.
– I have wonderful adrenaline and security on stage and as presenter – then I am completely calm inside and I feel very welcome. I am much more nervous in normal life. So I’m drawn to housework and safe things. My life is not always completely level, I hesitate a lot, she smiles.
Also read: Jan Runar (48) from the Dementia Choir: That’s why he wanted to resign
With a twinkle in her eye, she explains how social Ingrid can be.
– So, I can go out in company, but then my head starts to spin. Do I have to be funny? Mysterious? Quiet? If I have to walk the red carpet, I’m really sick. If I have to go out in a sailboat, it’s goodbye to life. The first thing I thought when Folketeateret rang was; Oh no, what have I done wrong now?
But she also thrives behind a mask. When Ingrid Gjessing Linhave hid as Frøya in “Maskorama” a year and a half ago, many people were surprised by the clear voice that judge Jan Thomas thought must belong to Sissel Kyrkjebø.
– One day the little brother got into the car and just said; Hello, Frøya! And I; what? But I made the Grand Prix almost every night when we were little and sang 20 countries where he was a jury, so he probably knew my voice well, she says.
Now she is looking forward to starting the tests for “Annie”.
– It is with a little joy mixed with horror that I do it, but I can’t bear to deal with it. I was just too old when I saw Maria Haukaas Mittet as Annie and I remember thinking how lucky she was.