On the Couch with William Hannagan

William Hannagan Arts Review On the CouchWho is William Hannagan?
The co-creator of The Gathering – a new musical. One we’ve been working on for five years! We even took it to NYC!

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d love to become a corporate high-flyer or a hard hitting investigative journalist or own and operate a quaint BnB in a wintry valley.

Who inspires you and why?
Well this is a bit of a music theatre cliche but I really feel like Stephen Sondheim is this very gentle, wise grandpa who taught us kids to think and feel in equal measure and that’s something very beautiful.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would educate on love, tolerance, self-care and living an invigorating, passionate life.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I just came back from Italy and it was divine. SOOO Eat Pray Love. But mainly ‘eat’.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Melbourne Eye because Costco’s not far and that’s where you can get cheap Calvin Klein briefs and a big box of buttery croissants. Two of my favourite indulgences.

What are you currently reading?
Then Again – Diane Keaton. I just love everything about her. I love her turtlenecks, her wine on ice, that knowing smile. When my anxiety flares up, I just watch one of her numerous Ellen interviews and my woes just fade away.

What are you currently listening to?
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book. I think it is a remarkable album.

Happiness is?
A gorgeous Vitello Tonnato at some fabulous faraway restaurant-sur-mer, a glass of chardy and a pashmina over my knees to keep those bad boys from burning.

What does the future hold for you?
I’m gonna move to LA and write pop songs for tweeny-boppers.

William Hannagan is a singer, actor, cabaret performer, theatre-maker, composer and writer based in Melbourne. Playful, political, promiscuous, his work crosses genre and fuses form, seeking hybridity and chasing subversion. He is the Co-Composer and Creator on Vic Theatre Company’s The Gathering at fortyfivedownstairs: 26 November – 11 December 2016. For more information, visit: www.victheatrecompany.com or www.fortyfivedownstairs.com for details.

Image: William Hannagan (supplied)