Who is Jack Stokes?
He’s an actor. I have always had an interest in the arts as a child. Then COVID-19 hit, and not much was happening with my studies at college. So, my dad wrote me an extract of a script to work on to keep me busy. This then slowly developed further and further into what ended up being Jesus, Jane, Mother, and Me. This is the show we presented last time we came to Adelaide. That show made me fall in love with acting and the art form, and I’ve been doing it ever since!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve loved all my experiences, the good and the bad. If I could speak to Jack at the beginning of this journey, I would tell him to enjoy every second as I am super lucky to have had the moments and experiences I’ve had at such a young age!
Who inspires you and why?
My Dad inspires me! His work ethic and commitment to creating each and every show with as much passion and dedication as the last, is amazing to watch. I hope that having worked with him on the past 3 shows that I’ve picked up some of his good habits. I know I will take all the lessons he’s taught me through life. Not just as a writer/director but also as a father!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe life is meaningless without emotion; I hope when people come to watch the shows we create, we leave them with a feeling, whether it’s laughter or sadness or whatever it may be. The best and most rewarding reviews to me are those of the normal theatre-goers; seeing them so passionate about our projects and hearing how they related to them in their own life is always fantastic to hear. I believe art truly makes the world a better, a more loving and open place!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
NEW YORK CITY! I love NYC, the city’s energy, pulse, and chaotic nature! I’ve had the pleasure of going on two separate occasions (With a third to come this year – Shellshocked is having an Off Broadway run for a month) and loved every second spent there. I’ve never been anywhere that’s as hectic and alive. I also am a huge movie fan, so it was like walking through the sets of all my favourite movies!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I Live in Leeds, Yorkshire. We live very close to York, a Roman settlement with centuries of history. It’s a charming city that feels like you’re walking through a Harry Potter set! I think England is best known for its history so I would want to take them somewhere like York to show them our roots!
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Frank Herbert’s DUNE – despite the fact that half of the time reading is spent looking in the terminology section at the back! I was very taken with the movies, and it made me want to delve deeper into that world and learn more about these characters and, more importantly… What happens next!
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to an awful lot of music from different genres and styles. To pick the two I’m listening to the most now, I would say my all-time favourite artist… Kendrick Lamar recently released his 6th studio album titled GNX! He is a 22-time Grammy winner and the only rapper with a Pulitzer Prize for his exceptional writing. He is one of my biggest inspirations and creates music that pushes the genre and the art form forward, much like what we want to achieve with our shows. The other artist I’ve been taken with is Lana Del Ray; I recently listened to her album Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd – It is an exceptionally personal and powerful album about her struggles as a female, and as a person, I would highly encourage people to listen to it.
Happiness is?
Acting on stage, being with family, watching movies, and laughing! I love making these shows; I love working with my dad and the rest of the company… Lee Bainbridge, Craig Lomas, Mathew Balderson, Richard Jordan, Ella Daley to name but a few. It’s always a great laugh and brings me pure, undiluted joy.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully, it will be a continuation of what we are doing now. I’d love to continue creating things and working with people I love. I’d like to branch out and work with other companies and have new experiences. I am in such a fortunate position now, and I’m super excited to see what the future holds!
Jack stars in the Australian premiere of Shellshocked – An Explosive New Play – which is currently playing at the Holden Street Theatres, as part of the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, until 23 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Jack Stokes (supplied)