How did your passion for the arts develop?

My parents took me to the theatre from a very early age. I vividly remember seeing Ruddigore at around 5 years old, and being overwhelmed by the magic, the darkness, the otherworldliness of it. Then in high school we did nine shows, and we were taken to see Peter Brook’s production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead and Neil Armfield’s production of Exit the King.

What’s been your favourite part of the rehearsal process so far?

It is a surreal room to be in. Everyone in the cast is brilliant, hilarious, and playful. I get to watch and learn from these incredible performers, and from James Dobinson’s insight – he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the score, a brilliant sense of tension and dramatic rhythm, and his love and care are inspiring.

What’s one musical moment from Into the Woods that you’re most excited for the audience to experience, and why?

There are many. No More is among the most moving things Sondheim ever wrote, and Justin Smith and Kanen Breen are sublime in this scene. Everything Amy Lehpamer does as the Baker’s Wife is glorious, but particularly Moments in the Woods and her reprise of No One Is Alone in the finale. I also love the wordplay in the Agony reprise in Act II…

You’re playing the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince. How do you prepare to take on two roles?

Close reading of the script, a lot of daydreaming and experimenting, then mainly exploring and playing with the other performers. We are all helped enormously by the stunning costumes that Elizabeth Gadsby and Charlie Davis have designed, they give you so much imaginatively and practically. Dan Venz is also creating a fabulous distinct choreographic language for each character.

I’m enjoying the fun of finding their differences, but also their overlaps – there are fundamental traits that link the Wolf and the Prince…

What has it been like learning and performing this iconic Sondheim score?

He knows more than we do, and we will never be as good as the material. This show reveals itself in new ways every day. You could work on it forever.

What are you most excited for audiences to experience?

Hearing Queensland Symphony Orchestra perform this score will be astonishing. I’m so excited for that, and for audiences to discover or re-discover the breadth of the show, the wit and humanity of it, its intricacy and boldness and subtlety. And how funny it is. I also can’t wait for people to enter the visual world of this production; Elizabeth and Charlie have created something really magical.

When you’re not performing, what’s your go-to way to relax and recharge?

Reading in cafes, going for long walks, practicing close-up magic, and going to the movies.

Get tickets to Into the Woods here.