Who is Chris Baldock?
A damn interesting question! Originally from NZ, I’m 47 and the Founder and Artistic Director of Mockingbird Theatre. I’m mainly known for my directing theses days but will occasionally jump back on the stage for the right role. It also serves to remind me of the hell I put my actors through! I am also an employment consultant for a Disability Employment Service.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would probably have a lot more faith in myself and listened to those believed me over the years. Then Mockingbird may have been born a lot earlier.
Who inspires you and why?
My sister. She has a daughter with Downs Syndrome and her life has taken a completely different path as a result. But she does it with courage and strength and she never ceases to blow with away by turning every experience into a positive. Also a shout-out to anyone who fights for what they truly believe in.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I could figure out the magic formula, I would stamp out ignorance. It is, I believe, the root of all our woes.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Holiday? What is this word you speak of? My ‘dream” holiday would be a six month tour of The States by campervan and taking in as much theatre as I could along the way. And to revisit the London haunts I frequented in my misspent youth.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The Airey’s Inlet lighthouse. It holds many memories. On the perfect, star-filled night, it is heaven.
What are you currently reading?
Playscripts. Lots and lots of playscripts. Finding a play that speaks to me, thrills and moves me, is better than any novel I could read. Oh and a fascinating biography on Oscar Wilde. Just when I think I know all there is on the man, someone introduces another facet of his fascinating life.
What are you currently listening to?
My Judas Kiss cues on my Line Learner app!
Happiness is?
A productive and positive rehearsal room.
What does the future hold for you?
Groomsman at some beautiful friends’ wedding. Hopefully seeing Mockingbird grow and learn and become an essential part of the Melbourne independent scene. And to lose 10 more kilos.
Chris Baldock is a highly respected director and actor in the Melbourne theatre scene. He directed the acclaimed production of The Laramie Project at Chapel off Chapel which won the 2005 Victorian Green Room Award for Best Independent Production. He revived the production in 2012 to critical acclaim as the inaugural production for his own company, Mockingbird Theatre.
He has received critical praise for his productions of Love! Valour! Compassion! for Midsumma and the Australian premiere of Shining City for Hoy Polloy. Chris has also directed Mockingbird Theatre’s critically acclaimed productions – Blue/Orange, How I Learned To Drive, Equus, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and recently The Temperamentals.
Chris is currently appearing in Mockingbird Theatre Company’s production of The Judas Kiss at Theatre Works until 22 March 2014. For more information, visit: www.mockingbirdtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Chris Baldock