Who is Emily Paddon-Brown?
A Performer, Educator, Eco-warrior and Mother.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would see into the future and know what clothes I will never wear again, donate them immediately and then therefore have more room in my wardrobe for more op shop clothes… I would spend more time watching Disney musicals, and singing and dancing to them in my lounge. I haven’t watched Moana or Beauty and the Beast yet! Who am I? Also I would bake more and have watched Wonder Woman by now.
Who inspires you and why?
My almost one year old baby girl. No matter what life throws at her (or what she throws up) she will still find time to smile, make a silly face or touch my nose (which is my signal to say ‘beep’) (of course).
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
As a major Captain Planet fan I would love to educate and inspire people to think about the consequences of what they buy and do. I love that Germany has the ‘Green Dot’ initiative for packaging and a strict recycling system, and that Sweden gives tax breaks to trades people who fix things (so you need not buy another cheap short shelf life item). Check out War on Waste on ABC TV for inspiration and buy the app Shop Ethical if you want to make a change for the better.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Fiji for it’s crystal clear water, kayaking, tropical fruits, lolling on sun loungers (being sun safe), cocktails, sunsets to die for, and the general bliss of ‘island time’.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I tend to be guided by the guest… most often an excellent Melbourne café, a walk down Merri Creek, a musical/ cabaret, the zoo (controversial) or the NGV. Why? Because food, fresh air, fun, cutes and I love what the visual arts inspire (a random conversation) (a moment of escapism).
What are you currently reading?
Magda Szubanski’s Reckoning: A Memoir, a bunch of articles from Equity magazines I’m throwing out to make room, and Kid Wrangling by Kaz Cooke.
What are you currently listening to?
What ever my baby girl picks from the CD collection! Yesterday it was Alanis Morissette and Joni Mitchell. Also Anika Moa’s Songs for Bubba’s 1 & 2 are staples in our house. Very Kiwi and super chill, awesome music for bubs and not too cheesy for Mums…
Happiness is?
My baby girl. My hubby. My girls. My family. My students discovering new things! Walking with waterfalls. Exchanging hello’s with a friendly cat or keen pup. High Tea. Brunch. An extravagant dessert. Fiji. Paris. England. NZ. Singing in the car. Dance class. An audition. A night at a Melbourne town musical. A mates cabaret. Sooo people, nature, food, travel and the arts.
What does the future hold for you?
Choreographing Seussical the Musical Jr with Christ Church Grammar School, singing teaching and ‘mumming’. Further in the future? Hopefully a lifetime of good people, nature, good food, travel and long fulfilling career in the arts. Oh, and hygge. Definitely hygge.
Emily will be performing in Flourish Productions’ The Songs of Alan Menken – Menken a Comeback! on Saturday 24 June 2017 (3.00pm / 8.00pm) at the Southbank Theatre. For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: Emily Paddon-Brown