What is your role as interim artistic director? What is your day like? I oversee and manage all the art. I look at what plays we are going to do, when, how and who should do them. I spend my days doing a lot of talking! As theatre makers we bring together artists with different skills who collaborate to make something bigger than the sum of its parts. I make sure the right people with the right skills are supported to create magic.

Can you give us an overview of the direction The Court Theatre will take under your leadership? No, I can’t. I can tell you that what we are doing now is starting to talk more and ask more questions. Of ourselves, our teams and our community. This theatre is here for Canterbury, to enliven the city. I think people already know what they want from their theatre company, so I want to talk to them and they can tell us what direction The Court will be taking while I am here.

You covered yourself in glory during your time at Centrepoint – any lessons from there that will help you at The Court? Bahaha, that sounds messy! I learnt so much over my three years at Centrepoint. I feel very honoured that they took the gamble on me and let me step into that role. The key lessons were (1) There are already people in the building and community with the answers. Listen to these people. (2) Great theatre requires a great team, so support them well. (3) Walk the talk. If I want to give honest feedback and see it actioned then I have to take honest feedback from my team and community and action it!

What is it about The Court that attracted you back here? It is my home. I grew up here learning to love performing through the Theatresports™ in Schools programme. I was a Court Jester, then an actor, then a director here. This building is also filled with incredibly talented and hard-working people, from finance to set building. I feel lucky to work with this team.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic for the future of professional theatre in NZ? I am optimistic. I ring actors asking them if they would be interested in coming to work here and so often I am turned down as they are already booked up! I see people donating to this theatre, sponsors getting in behind shows, and the joy on people’s faces as they emerge from the theatre after a show. I also see places where we can do better and will endeavour to do so.

Are you enjoying being back in Christchurch? There’s been a few changes during your absence. Oh my gosh, yes, so much has changed in three years! I feel like the rebuild has finally hit critical mass since I have been away. Riverside Market and The Terrace have regrown the beating heart of the city. I take friends there and along the Avon and I feel proud to show off our styley and fun city centre! Also, fewer roadworks!

What’s your go-to spot in Christchurch? I go to Little High every week with mates for dinner. So many options, funky space, lots of people and really reasonably priced food. Am I allowed to shout out BASE pizza? Rod, who owns it, was involved with creating Little High. The man is a genius. I keep buying his pizzas to thank him, hahaha.

Who would you love to collaborate with? The CSO. I already emailed them and then they took me to lunch! My mum will give me a whack for letting Gretchen pay and me not being a gentleman!

How do you relax? What is relaxing? Kidding. At the moment, hanging out with lovely humans. Hagley Park run on Saturday morning. A walk without my phone. Playing with my brother’s puppy.

Who’s your personal hero? Brene Brown. Dan Savage. All my friends for keeping me grounded and loved.

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure? Too many to write hahaha. Recently I hired a personal stylist to redo my entire wardrobe. I never thought I would do something like this. I spent A LOT of money. But oh my god, it is a game changer. Stephanie Rumble from Bright Red. I think I should send her some more money. She didn’t charge enough for what she has helped me with.

Is there a particular book or author that has inspired you in your life or career? The Lost Art of Compassion by Lorne Ladner. It draws on Western psychology and Buddhism. I am not very religious but I do believe in kindness and compassion and trying to understand where others are coming from.

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