Who is Brendan Irving?
An actor, singer and aerialist who grew up on the south coast, a proud Lululemon Athletica ambassador and founder of The Movement Academy Australia; a physical training program for performing artists, calisthenics enthusiasts and everyday athletes with a passion for enhanced movement.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’m a design and interior architecture nerd. In another life, I would love to spend my time renovating houses and apartments. There’s still time. Maybe I’ll apply for The Block!
Who inspires you and why?
My Grandfather. He passed away when I was 10, but even as a child I admired how passionate he was about everything. I will never forget how much he loved life, people and us.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
As a child, I wasn’t naturally athletic and grew up with a negative and damaging perception of how my body looked and moved. In 2015, I founded The Movement Academy to encourage others to cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies and explore this incredible vesicle we have been blessed with. I would love to spread this training ethos and movement culture throughout the rest of Australia.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Brazil or Italy. I can’t say why as I haven’t made it to either yet… One day very soon!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly always does it for me. And Hugo’s Pizza at the destination is a nice bonus!
What are you currently reading?
The Velvet Rage. Every chapter raises some confronting and revealing concepts, so I am getting through it very slowly.
What are you currently listening to?
The most recent Emile Sandé album. And waiting (not so) patiently for the new Mark Wilkinson EP to be released.
Happiness is?
Yoga in the morning. Red wine and a roast dinner in the evening.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ll be playing the role of Stalker in the Australian premiere of The Bodyguard for the rest of 2017… Creeping on the gorgeous Paulini for a living… tough gig!
The Bodyguard will receive its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on Thursday 27 April, before playing Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre (QPAC) from 19 July, and Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from 24 August 2017. For more information, visit: www.thebodyguardmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Brendan Irving