A Quick Chat With Brett Russell

Brett Russell has been an active member of the Sydney Theatre scene for the past 30 years, both on stage an in directorial positions. He is currently directing the acclaimed musical song cycle Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens for Mardi Gras 2012, which plays at the Seymour Centre from 29 February.

We ask Brett our 20 questions…

1. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Train Driver

2. Who is the most important person in the world to you?
My Partner

3. What animal best represents you and why?
Squirrel. You’ll have to ask my partner why.

4. If you were a contestant on Deal or No Deal, how much would you need to be on offer before you walked away?
I think $25,000 would do it.

5. What was the first piece of theatre you ever directed and how old were you?
My directorial debut was in 1998 at the age of 34, directing The Kander and Ebb revue The World Goes Round.

6. Windows or MAC?
Windows at work, MAC at home

7. Favourite food?
My spag bol.

8. Who is the actor you would most like to work alongside?
Patti Lupone

9. What five songs would be the first you put a mix tape?
All Freemasons. I love Dance music.

10. What is the best thing about theatre in Australia?
Variety

11. What’s the worst thing about theatre in Australia?
Lack of Lyric type 1500 seat capacity venues.

12. Name one moment when you looked around, breathed happily and felt content.
Opening night when I directed the amateur premier of The Boy From Oz

13. Where is the most interesting place you have travelled?
New York.

Broadway, Museums, Restaurants and Shopping. What more could you ask for?

14. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Tom Cruise (at a Urinal)

15. Most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you onstage?
Started laughing uncontrollably during a production number in GiGi.

16. What’s your life motto?
Less is more.

17. What’s your favourite post-show snack?
Cup of tea, and crumpets and peanut butter.

18. What’s your biggest phobia?
Not being prepared at rehearsals

19. What is the worst date you’ve ever had?
Those dates where you have to drive the conversation ALL night

20. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Semi retired, running my own business.