Who is Jake Speer?
5 foot 7. Brown eyes. Brown hair. Last spotted parading around Brisbane in 6 inch red leather boots. Most likely to be eating a burrito or donut.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Probably eat less sugar but I have serious addiction problem.
Who inspires you and why?
Deviants. People who have the magical ability to look beyond the status quo, shatter our perceptions and steer us towards a better version of ourselves. Why? Cause it’s cool and I’d like to be able to do that.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well, I think if you could somehow get every human being to experience a view of Earth from Low Earth Orbit that would have a profound affect on how we perceive ourselves and our home. But if I had the money and the knowhow I’d probably set about trying to accelerate the ubiquity of nuclear fusion power. But because I can’t really do either of those things I’ll just stick with trying to make people laugh.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Nepal. Trekking to Everest base camp last year was a life changing experience. I’m planning on going back again at the end of the year. I’m in love with that place.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Well growing up in the small New South Wales town of Leeton, I would encourage everyone to see a film at the gorgeous art deco cinema, The Roxy. It’s a beautiful building. Now living in Sydney, I’d most likely take friends on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains or spend the day at Maroubra Beach. It’s just great to get outside, plus there’s lots of cool dogs at Maroubra that I can stalk and pretend are mine.
What are you currently reading?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
What are you currently listening to?
I have two go to podcasts; Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin and Planetary Radio with Matt Kaplan. I’ve just finished the original Broadway recording of Dear Evan Hansen and I’ve recently discovered the Avett Brothers.
Happiness is?
Time with good friends.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully it holds a few more years. I have a lot to do. Outside of getting out of bed and maybe making some pancakes, I’m not sure but I hope it’s interesting. I’ll be shooting my short film, Inside Water that I’ve written, in April back home. I’m very excited for that.
Jake stars as Timothy in Robert Askins’ funniest and filthiest broadway show, Hand To God at The Alex Theatre, St. Kilda in an Australian premiere season from 22 February 2018. For more information, visit: www.handtogod.com.au for details.
Image: Jake Speer (supplied)