On the Couch with Rachel Edmonds

Rachel Edmonds - photo by Amelia DowdWho is Rachel Edmonds?
An actor, producer, writer and probably the biggest Eurovision fan you’ll ever meet.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I considered law at one point, specifically human rights law. Otherwise something that involves public speaking or speech writing. I’d probably end up in politics, to be honest.

Who inspires you and why?
That’s a tough one. I usually say my two grandmas actually. My mum’s mum is a tough as they come, yet always kind and considerate. The women in my family are few but they’re all strong and that strength inspires me and probably makes me considerably stubborn too.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope what I’m doing now is. My work and activism are so tangled together and as a queer, disabled, femme, Christian in this climate, it’s hard to even exist in a space without that being some kind of statement. I hope I can make the difference that means people like me can exist in a space without having to be activists.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hobbiton. It’s like being inside a children’s fantasy book. The detail goes way beyond the films and there’s a Hobbit pub (The Green Dragon) and a beautiful lake. It’s just divine and so fun, I had butterflies (and unfortunately, a throat infection) the whole time I was there. It’s the ultimate nature meets design.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The City of Melbourne in general but I’m more likely to take them to the Botanical Gardens than I am the Eureka Tower. Melbourne can be a little overwhelming in its entirety, so the gardens are a nice break and great place for lunch. And free…

What are you currently reading?
A past issue of The Lifted Brow.

What are you currently listening to?
I’m pretty excited for Eves Karydas’ album coming out on the 28th – so I’m listening to all her past singles.

Happiness is?
Puppies.

What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully, finally moving into my new home with my husband in the next twelve months. Got some theatre projects ahead, and some film work I’m excited to see the final edits of. Probably dressing my dog up in Eurovision costumes and drinking lots of orange juice.

Rachel is performing in Have you tried yoga? at Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space until 30 September as part of the 2018 Melbourne Fringe. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.

Image: Rachel Edmonds – photo by Amelia Dowd