Who is Joshua Reckless?
I’m an actor/singer/dancer from North Western Sydney. I studied Music Theatre for the last three years at WAAPA and now I’m lucky enough to be portraying General Tom Thumb in Barnum the Circus Musical.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I don’t think it would be even slightly possible for me to do anything else if I’m honest. I love telling stories. Acting on any platform whether it’s in a Musical, a Play, or on Screen is everything I want in life. I can’t imagine how unfulfilled my life would be if I had gone down another path.
Who inspires you and why?
It’s a bit cheesy, but my Dad. I have other heroes like Lin Manuel Miranda (who is amazing by the way and you should immediately look him up if you don’t know who he is), but when I really think about it, having a father who gets to do what he loves every day has played a lot into me following my dreams. My Dad’s a Golf Professional and gets to teach people the sport he loves. And when I was younger and finally found performing, my parents immediately supported me. I think Dad saw the ‘spark’ in me that he experienced when he found Golf. When you have that type of passion for something and then see it in someone else it’s unmistakable. Add that with Mum’s love of Musical Theatre and I had a support network that many people only dream of. I’m very grateful.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I want to make theatre pieces and screen works that matter. For me personally, I’m not in the entertainment industry just to perform on stage or television. I want to be on those platforms so good pieces with messages that matter can reach audiences and inspire change. One of my many dream shows is Spring Awakening. And the reason that show is on my list is because it is full of stories that need to be told. Themes in that show like oppression, ignorance, and fear are all things that are familiar to us as human beings, and the stories of people who not only experience that but overcome it are absolutely worth telling.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Japan. I haven’t been yet but I absolutely love the culture, I immerse myself in my plans to travel there whenever I have free time. It’s a beautiful country with a whole heap of traditions and gorgeous shrines, and even the city life seems different compared to Australia. I can’t wait to go when I have the funds and time.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I really only just got to Melbourne less than a month ago, and since then I’ve only had time to work on Barnum and see a couple of shows here and there. So I can’t honestly say I know any attractions around here other than the theatres. Explore is one thing I’m really excited to do once I finish this show and eventually move down here. However, King’s Domain is a nice place I’ve managed to get to. It is a great place to have a picnic and spend some quality time with mates.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just recently re-started Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I did get a few chapters through in early January but put it down to read P.T. Barnum’s Autobiography. So I’m excited to jump back into one of the most famous novels of all time and see why this classic is so famous.
What are you currently listening to?
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson. When I’m working on a show that consumes as much physical and mental energy as Barnum, I love songs that embody spending a rainy Sunday at home.
Happiness is?
Two steps. One is always being kind and patient with everyone you meet, and if you run out of both of those things, be twice as kind and patient. And the other is doing that something you love, that you’re good at, that you can be paid for, and that the world needs all rolled into one. I don’t believe everyone has a purpose, but if you can find something that encompasses all those things, that’s the closest you can get.
What does the future hold for you?
After Barnum finishes, I’m heading straight to Perth where I will work with West Australian Opera and Stuart Maunder on Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I’m fortunate enough to be portraying Tobias Ragg, which is very exciting for me. Tobias is a very dense character and it will be a challenging story to tell, a challenge I am very keen to dive into. After that I haven’t got anything locked in, but I plan to permanently move to Melbourne and continue portraying characters that can change the world.
Joshua stars as Tom Thumb in Barnum the Circus Musical at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 27 April 2019 (Opening night: 2 May). For more information, visit: www.barnumthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Joshua Reckless (supplied)