Who is David Ladderman?
David Ladderman is a beachcomber who juggles chainsaws at festivals in order to pay for his acting habit.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I started again on a completely different career path I would wish to be a dog behaviouralist. Working to aid humans understand their canines better sounds perfect.
Who inspires you and why?
My wife Lizzie Tollemache inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself I can be. Why? Because I admire her and aspire to match her vibrancy. But since that answer is a bit flowery, I’ll point out that I’m professionally inspired by the great vaudevillians of yesteryear. Self made humans who wrote their own rules and changed the landscape, people like Buster Keaton, Mabel Normand and yes even Eric Jan Hanussen. Yet the latter was somewhat of a fool!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m with Whitney on this one. That’s why as a side hustle I love writing and performing family shows. Shows with a modern moral code full of possibilities. Seeing children’s faces light up when they enjoy live theatre is a true gift. Instilling wonder and imparting self belief and a sense of belonging seems genuinely worthwhile.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
South Western Ireland. The music, the lovely wee towns, the landscape, the food and as a bonus some of those beers are pretty good.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well when I’m home, Otautahi, Christchurch NZ it’s always the local hot pools. Yet if you mean here in Victoria it would be the Great Ocean Road. Actually what am I saying? If you want to know mainstream Melbourne it has to be a sold out MCG right?
What are you currently reading?
At present it’s Breath by Tim Winton. I figure because I’m in Australia all month I better read a local author. I’m loving it by the way.
What are you currently listening to?
Where should we begin, Esther Perel, it’s a podcast. It’s brilliant and focuses on all things relationships and well… Why am I listening to this? Lizzie and I have been together for 15 wonderful years (married for 10). I’m not too proud to admit I can use all the help I can get. And let’s face it, many women in heterosexual relationships today probably deserve better. No judgment, just an observation.
Happiness is?
Dog walks on the beach!
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully a sold out season of Berlin Burlesque! After that, heading home to New Zealand for some much needed dog walks on the beach.
David stars in Lyttelton Circus Theatre Company‘s Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen – currently playing in the Gasworks Theatre – Gasworks Arts Park until 26 April 2025. For more information, visit: www.gasworks.org.au for details.
Image: David Ladderman – photo by Dean MacKenzie