On the Couch with Michael Griffiths

Michael Griffiths_Adolescent_Kurt Sneddon oncWho is Michael Griffiths?
I’m a singer and pianist who spent many years touring in jukebox musicals and these days I do my own thing as a cabaret performer.

What would you do differently to what you do now?  
I’ve done some radio on the side and I really love it. It reminds me a little of being on the stage because there’s no safety net, when things go wrong you just need to own it and improvise!

Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by people who are passionate about what they do.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m a big believer in eating local and supporting local business.

Favourite holiday destination and why?      
I love that performing takes me all over the place and feel like that’s the best way to travel. I studied in Perth and always look forward to coming back, especially in summer at Fringe time when the whole city is buzzing.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
In my hometown Adelaide, I’d hit Peel St and Leigh St for food and drinks, its such a great new spot. In winter it’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival time when lots of interstate friends visit and we drink lots of South Aussie red.

What are you currently reading?
I just finished Lena Dunham’s Not That Kind of Girl after loving her tv show Girls.

What are you currently listening to?
I still buy the occasional CD because I’m old fashioned and like to be tactile. Chet Baker Sings was the last, it’s very dreamy and romantic.

Happiness is? 
Good food and good friends.

What does the future hold for you? 
I’m currently on a little cabaret roll, hopefully it keeps up!

Michael Griffiths graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor in Music Theatre in 1999 and has a Diploma in Music Composition. He is a singer, pianist, actor, composer and musical arranger. He was nominated for a Green Room Award for Best Supporting actor for his performance as Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, which he performed in for over four years.

He appeared in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Australian and Japanese tour of We Will Rock You! the original Australian cast of Shout! and was in the original workshop for the Australian musical Prodigal. Michael has performed cabaret at Sydney’s legendary Showqueen at the Supper Club and for Kookaburra’s Up Close and Musical series.

His acclaimed one man cabaret shows In Vogue: Songs By Madonna and Sweet Dreams: Songs By Annie Lennox have delighted critics and audiences right across Australia and beyond to New York, Auckland, Edinburgh, Hong Kong and London. Michael won the prestigious Best Cabaret Award Adelaide Fringe 2014 and Nominated for a Green Room Award (Best Musical Direction), 2014.

Michael’s new show Adolescent will be presented at fortyfive downstairs: 21 January – 1 February as part of the Midsumma Festival. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.

He is also performing Sweet Dreams: Songs by Annie Lennox at the De Parel Spiegeltent, Perth Cultural Centre: 3 – 7 February as part of Fringe World. For more information, visit: www.fringeworld.com.au for details.

Image: Michael Griffiths – photo by Kurt Sneddon