Who is Samuel Valentine?
A country boy, turned city busker, turned political satirist. It was a slippery slope.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
To be perfectly honest, I’m always trying to do things differently. Stagnancy is death. At the moment, I’d love to do more mainstage theatre, so that’ll likely be the next goal on the list.
Who inspires you and why?
Since high school, I’ve been mentored by an incredible Australian clown, Hayden Spencer. He lives and performs with a vitality and generosity to which I constantly aspire.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Learn to live more generously. Your ego can get in the way a lot, and that’s frustrating, but there’s nothing quite like giving for the sheer joy of it.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Zion National Park. I have a special spot in my heart for places of stone, and Zion is the most gorgeous, untouched, vibrant pocket of the world I’ve ever seen.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Nothing beats the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a fan of the surf or just enjoy being totally, blissfully immobile, it never disappoints.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently re-reading The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Beautifully incisive.
What are you currently listening to?
Dashboard by Modest Mouse.
Happiness is?
The act of paying calm attention to the world around you.
What does the future hold for you?
It’s hard to say. Cabaret sort of happened by accident, and a whole new world of work could spring up in an instant. Touring internationally is a dream of mine, and one I hope to live out in the next few years.
Samuel will be appearing in Dirty Sexy Politics at The Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: 25 – 29 March. For more information, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com for details.
Image: Samuel Valentine