A Quick Chat With Naomi Livingston

We catch up with Naomi Livingston – WAAPA graduate and star of the upcoming production of John and Jen at Sidetrack Theatre, Sydney.

1. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had the classic little girl’s dream of being a vet. I adore animals and would have my own zoo at home if my husband or my wallet would allow.

2. Who is the most important person in the world to you?
My family of course but narrowing to one person it would indeed be my Husband, Drew. He is my anchor and a great cook to top it off!

3. What animal best represents you and why?
Ok. I’ve spent a long time dwelling on this question and I’m lost. I need an animal that’s shy, a little bit nervous but friendly…and that would be…my husband just suggested a mole…and I am a bit blind so I guess that’ll do.

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 imagine I’d get nervous about losing the smallest offer! But I think I’d be happy to walk away with 20 grand. It’d be enough for a luxurious holiday.

5. What’s the worst date you’ve ever had?
Haha! Umm…probably would have to come down to just the most awkward blind “date” ever…basically I chickened out and avoided him.

6. Windows or MAC?
I’m a MAC convert!

7. Which Spice Girl was your favourite?
Oh gosh. I wasn’t really a spice girl fan. I was more into “dad music” like Midnight Oil and Billy Joel. If I have to choose I would say Posh as I always found it amusing that you barely see her in the film clips. Or at least the one I’ve seen.

8. Who is the actor you would be most like to work alongside?
The list is enormous! There are so many wonderful Australian actors I would die to work with and learn from…I would have to say as one of many…Pamela Rabe.

9.What five songs would be the first you put a mix tape?
“Forgotten Years” Midnight Oil, “Go Your Own Way” Fleetwood Mac, “Single Ladies” Beyonce, any Ben Folds song and “His Name is Lancelot” from Spamalot.

10. What is the best thing about theatre in Australia?
The co-op community! From my experience it is bold, innovative and supportive of each other.

11. What is the worst thing about theatre in Australia?
Lack of funding! Story telling is such an important thing to be happening in any culture. Sharing histories and learning, creating broader and more detailed images of peoples lives which then promotes such wonderful understanding and empathy amongst those who see/participate in these stories. It is sad when such a thing as money can stop or at least inhibit this process.

12. Favourite food?
Oh…hard question. But I’d have to say ice-cream…I’m a massive sweet tooth and especially love ice-cream with those wonderful additions like nuts/cookies/chocolate…the list could go on.

13. What was the first piece of theatre/film/TV you ever appeared in and how old were you?
My first amatuer appearance was way back when I was probably 6 and played a possum in a christmas play. More officially? I was 23, I think? And sang for the closing of the Railway Street Theatre (the old Q Theatre) in Penrith.

14. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Probably a particular cafe job I had where ridiculous tasks were required without instruction or training and for the most minimal wage you can legally (just) muster.

15. What’s the first website you visit when you come online?
The classic facebook visit.

16. Name one moment when you looked around, breathed happily and felt content.
Those moments usually always happen on sunny days when I’m outside going for a walk or having a picnic with my hubby and dog.

17. Red or white?
Red.

18. Where is the most interesting place you have travelled?
I find it all fascinating but I have to say probably Italy caught my attention the most.

19. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Peter Garrett…

20. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully working continuously!!! Everyone’s dream I’m sure. Or travelling.

+ 1 Question from Gillian Cosgriff, the last person to answer AussieTheatre.com’s 20 Questions:

If you hadn’t been born here, in this century, when and where would you like to have lived?
Well to live is definitely a different idea to simply a drop in visit. To live…I guess I would’ve loved to check out the 60’s.