On the Couch with Lucy Heffernan

Lucy Heffernan Arts Review On the CouchWho is Lucy Heffernan?
I’m an actor living in Sydney, currently in North Bondi. I’m from Wollongong originally, a ‘gong girl’. Aside from being an actor, I’m also a huge dog person, and fantasise about owning my own dog (although I’m currently the proud co-owner of a Siamese fighting fish called Mac). I’m also naturally blonde and extremely pale.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’m pretty happy with where I’m at, although if I earnt more money I could live in house with a backyard and own a dog!

Who inspires you and why?
People who are authentically themselves and just do their thing. It’s really cool.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Make tampons free!

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Earlier this year I went to other side of the world for the first time in my life. I stayed with my best mate in London and went off on my own to other places too ( I woke up in Paris on my 24th birthday). It was so challenging and scary and thrilling for me to travel there alone; I didn’t think I could do it. The trip really affirmed my sense of self, my ability to look after myself, and take it into my own hands to see the world. I’d never felt that before, I’ll never forget that feeling. It was huge.

More locally though, I really love being in the country in Australia. A friend of my partner and mine owns a property in Uralla, a town just outside of Armidale; it’s a great place to drink red wine, have a bonfire and see/catch your breath in the cold country air. How’s the serenity!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably take them on a walk; the Bondi to Bronte walk on a weekday when it’s quieter. Try to spot some whales, coo at all the dogs that we see, and sit by the water and talk.

What are you currently reading?
I’m not great at sticking with novels anymore, I really only read plays. My head has been buried in Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis for the past month or so (for obvious reasons). It’s been a fascinating process; it’s a stunning piece of writing, and formally very challenging.

What are you currently listening to?
I often get obsessed with one song at a time and just listen to it on repeat. Last time I did that was with Blondie’s Heart of Glass – as it featured in an episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, and I was like ‘Oh yeah, I love this song!’ The poor neighbours.

Happiness is?
When you’ve been out all day at work or wherever, and you park the car and start walking home, but you’re so excited to see your loved one you start to jog, so you can see them sooner. Also gin and tonic.

What does the future hold for you?
More travel, more work, more challenges, more love.

Lucy can be seen in Workhorse Theatre Company’s production of Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis at the Old Fitz Theatre from 16 August 2017. For more information, visit: www.redlineproductions.com.au for details.

Image: Lucy Heffernan (supplied)