What do you do?
I’m the Artistic Director and CEO of Melbourne Theatre Company. I work with extraordinary creatives and artists to curate our season each year, always in service of our audiences.
And why do you do it?
I believe in the theatre because it’s one of the truly shared intimate live experiences we can have. I want as many people to have access to that as possible!
What do you love about the city you live in?
I love the range of cultural experiences you can have here in Melbourne. It’s artistically alive. Audiences are engaged, the creative community is ambitious, and there’s real diversity in what’s being made. It’s a very special city.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Bali. It was beautiful – and it gave me time to dream. And sleep. And do some yoga too.
What's your favourite item of clothing?
I was just looking at a new pair of Adidas trackpants, because all I want to wear is Adidas. . . But I do have other obsessions too, like BEARE PARK. I have a fabulous BEARE PARK pinstripe suit that I love.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
I was into movies. I’d get up early while my parents were still in bed and watch all the classic films and musicals – 'An American In Paris', 'Singin’ In The Rain', you name it. I love rewinding and watching those stories again and again.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I’d go back to the Opening Night of 'My Brilliant Career' at Melbourne Theatre Company in 2024. I had no idea that the show would be such a triumph – and I was so nervous that night I could barely breathe. It’s since returned for an encore season in Melbourne and it’s touring nationally. I’d love to go back, relive that first audience, and experience that joy again.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
I really love the ritual of a Sunday roast – I'd give that a go.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
To live authentically. Over time, I’ve learned to be myself, even when I feel nervous. Imposter syndrome comes for everyone, but the best thing I can do is back myself.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody knows.
Hmm, good question. I can still do the splits – ballet background.
Are you happy with your work-life balance?
(Laughs) There’s no real balance, but I do what I love every day. Making theatre is who I am, so I feel very lucky.
How do you define success?
Success for me is telling the stories I believe in and seeing them connect with an audience. 'My Brilliant Career' is a great example – it ends with a woman choosing herself, backing her own path, and audiences responded so viscerally to that. More broadly, success for me is developing and championing Australian stories and artists here at Melbourne Theatre Company.
What's your spirit animal?
Part of me wants to say a meerkat – curious, busy, always on the lookout for trouble.
