On the Couch with Adam Lyon

Adam Lyon oncWho is Adam Lyon?
I’m the composer of NED – A New Australian Musical, having it’s world premiere in Bendigo May 22nd. at the new Ulumbarra Theatre (integrated into the old Sandhurst Gaol). I was also fortunate to originate the role Carl Denham in Global Creatures’ King Kong.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d be a Doctor. My wife is a Paediatrician. I have so much respect for medicine and those who practice it. Were I smarter and more disciplined, I’d be a doctor; were I braver and or funnier, I might be a stand-up comic.

Who inspires you and why?
My wife Anna inspires me. She’s an everyday super hero. I also love my mum – she’s the strongest person I’ve ever known. I also have a huge man-crush on Louis C.K. too – the funniest man alive!

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d make the study of critical thinking and research practices mandatory in schools. It would improve the entire world if people focused on fact, not opinion and genuinely knew how to think for themselves through reason, not fear.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Besides beautiful Bendigo, Santa Barbara in California. We have the most wonderful friends there, weather is always beautiful: 20 degrees during winter – not fair on us poor Victorians hey!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I take them for a walk around Lake Weeroona in Bendigo, then have breakfast on the boardwalk. Bendigo has so many wonderful places to visit and eat. The Bendigo Gallery (currently exhibiting Imaging Ned) is also a must!

What are you currently reading?
A Song of Fire and Ice. At the moment all I have time for is to read one chapter, every two months!

What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to pretty much nothing but my own music at the minute. I’m In the middle of orchestrations for NED so I’ve already heard the finale 11 times this morning! Once I get home music is the last thing I want to hear – I’d rather watch the footy at the minute!

Happiness is?
Watching this amazing cast bring NED to life. I’ve been working to get this show on its feet for four years on and off now and I am disgustingly proud. Besides that, my perfect day would involve: a slow cooked homemade bolognaise with my wife, some good friends, great wine and taking my dog Nellie for a walk.

What does the future hold for you?
Creating more new Australian works and more jobs for Australian artists in the process. I’ve loved this journey and there should be more of it: art and jobs both! And I’m looking forward to May 22nd – opening night of NED! See you there!

Adam Lyon graduated from the VCA in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music (Opera). He was the recipient of the Daisy Webster Ethel Nolan Scholarship and the Macdonald Trust whilst at the VCA.

Other than performing, Adam’s passion is composition and his most recent works are We Men Are Giants, a song cycle about the evolution of masculinity in modern Australia and NED – A New Australian Musical, about the life of Ned Kelly, which was shortlisted for New Musicals Australia 2011.

Adam’s stage credits include A Garden Of Money, Dare To Be Faceless, Sweeney Todd, Cosi Fan Tutte, Australian Constitution Opera, Les Miserables, The Last Five Years, Into The Woods, Rob Guest Tour (Support Act), Just The Boys (Group Leader & Soloist), A Chorus Of Disapproval and Carousel. Adam starred as Carl Denham in the world premiere of King Kong The Musical in 2013.

NED – A New Australian Musical plays at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre from 22 May 2015. For more information, visit: www.nedmusical.com.au or www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au for details.

Image: Adam Lyon