Who is Barbara Lowing?
A woman who grew up on a farm, and was weaned on a diet of The Goon Show, Joyce Grenfell and Anna Russell. My parents loved to laugh. I became an actor because there was nothing else that kept calling me back! It seemed inevitable.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I wouldn’t put myself down so much. I would try to believe in myself more.
Who inspires you and why?
The women of Belloo Creative constantly inspire me. They are a strong company of women who are dedicated to creating extraordinary work, that is textually powerful. Motherland is the first production from Belloo Creative, and it has gone on win many awards. The extraordinary writer, Katherine Lyall-Watson, was a finalist in the Patrick White Playwrights Award in 2013 for the script.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well – everyday, try to do something that will make someone’s life a little easier, whether it is letting them in the traffic, thanking a person who has let you in, smiling and thanking people and keeping an open and humorous mind. I think if we could all be just a little bit kinder to each other, every day, we would start to breathe a little easier and be more tolerant.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love my little home, but if I go away, anywhere by the ocean. I love the sound of the ocean. It lulls me to sleep and quietens my over active and anxious mind.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Sydney – the Heads, followed by a drive up the coast and then into Cottage Point. At home, in Queensland, I love to take people over to Stradbroke Island on the car ferry, and go camping on the beach on the ocean side of the Island.
What are you currently reading?
Bill Bryson’s The Lost Continent. He makes me laugh out loud. It is my go to book, when I haven’t anything else in the house. Oh! Also Carl Hiaasen’s Tourist Season. Incredibly irreverent and very funny.
What are you currently listening to?
Katie Melua – I Will Be There. A beautiful voice and a divine song. I was introduced to her and the song by a friend who has recently passed away. It gives me great comfort.
Happiness is?
Working – as an actor, on a brilliant production and being paid for it. Hooray for Motherland! Walking in the bush, with my camera, listening for wildlife to photograph. Taking photographs and travelling. My darling family and friends. My cockatiel! She makes me laugh every day. She is sitting on my shoulder, as I write this, furious that I am not paying enough attention to her.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully, all of the above continuing.
Barbara is currently performing in Belloo Creative’s production of Motherland, which will play at the Ipswich Civic Centre (11 May); Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland (12 May); Glen Street Theatre, Sydney (17 – 22 May) and the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (25 – 28 May).
Image: Barbara Lowing as Nina in Motherland – courtesy of Belloo Creative