On the Couch with John Thorn

john Thorn oncWho is John Thorn?
John is the creator of Looking For Lawson – a song cycle based on Henry Lawson’s poetry. He is also a composer and musical director to the stars, including Meow Meow and Bob Downe.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Not much, I’ve got my dream job pretty (much most of the time) – I’d like to create more shows and Looking For Lawson has made me realise how much I love singing my own stuff.

Who inspires you and why?
Henry Mancini, for his melodies and arrangements, Serge Gainsbourge for his ability to cross genres, and invent a few, the compositional genius of Thelonius Monk and my girlfriend, the Playwright Jane Bodie for her ability to work like a train and the human detail and brutality in her words.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Legislate that every pub must have a piano, outlaw students in primary school singing along with pre-recorded cd’s with vocal tracks at concerts, make bike helmets optional.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris, for the sheer beauty, style and the walks around the breathtaking city.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
The Butterfly Club, because it’s an institution and it’s wonderful, stylish and quirky, as well as being an intimate and important live music venue.

What are you currently reading?
Slim Dusty, Another Day, Another town and Inland Empire: America at the end of the Obama era by Guy Rundle.

What are you currently listening to?
Jelly Roll Morton and Glenn Gould plays Bach’s preludes and fugues.

Happiness is?
Time with my two daughters, my girlfriend, a good walk and the Hawks winning.

What does the future hold for you?
More musical exploration, warm audiences, good meals, touring and school fees.

John Thorn is a Composer, Producer and Musical Director to the stars. He has 14 Green Room nominations (winning twice) and has composed 5 musicals including the acclaimed All Het Up with Guy Rundle and Fiona Thorn and the recent Kiss of Death with Kate Schmitt and Fiona Thorn, as well as scoring countless plays, cabarets and special events.

His current projects include Looking For Lawson, where John has set 19 Henry Lawson poems to music, which received great reviews at the 2015 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, being specifically chosen by Barry Humphries, and Tom Flanagan’s physical comedy show KAPUT, that John scored and accompanies at festivals throughout the world. John also musically directed the 2015 Melbourne Comedy Festival hit The 3 Mikados (with Colin Lane and David Collins) and the recent sold-out Adelaide Cabaret Festival show The 27 Club.

John’s previous theatrical credits include: Melbourne University Revue, Billy Elliot, Saturday Night Fever, Max Gillies Live at Club Republic, Bob Downe/Mark Trevorrow, Meow Meow, Pastel Vespa, Vaudeville X, Fais Moi Mal Johnny, Jeremy Hopkins Sings John Thorn, Le Gateua Chocolat, Caroline Nin, Licence to Thrill (The Music Of James Bond), Two For The Road (The Music Of Mancini) and He Drank Too Many Cigarettes (Fiona Thorn sings Serge Gainsbourg).

He scored Tommy Bradson’s show Pirate Rhapsody Mermaid Requiem (Best Cabaret, Melbourne Fringe 2011) and Michael Dalley’s shows Urban Display Suite and Mademoiselle, as well as musically directing Bradson’s Men My Mother Loved (Helpman Nominated 2012), Sweet 16 Birthday Party Massacre (Best Cabaret, Adelaide Fringe 2011) and REG (Reg Livermore tribute – Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2013, Helpmann Nominated 2013).

John has an international reputation for his work in Improvised Theatre as accompanist and producer of Spontaneous Broadway and Random Musical and corporate impro group, Troupe Du Jour as well as many years as the Theatresports musician. His TV and Film credits include, Elizabeth (Score Editor); Comedy Slapdown – Foxtel; and The Vulture – ABC TV.

John will be presenting Looking For Lawson at the Lorne Arts Festival on Saturday 29 August. For more information, visit: www.lorneartsfestival.com.au for details.

John is also performing his first solo show, Background Boy at The Butterfly Club: 28 October – 1 November 2015. For more information, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com for details.

Image: John Thorn