Who is Tomas Pocilujko?
Tomas Pocilujko is a Brisbane-based actor and presenter who is just trying his best, so lay off him okay? He’s also very defensive.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would love to go back in time and have another go at answering that first question.
Who inspires you and why?
I could list countless comedians, actors, writers, colleagues, friends and mentors here but I’m too afraid I’ll leave someone important out. I will say every time I work with children, I am reinvigorated and inspired. Kids have mastered the art of play and improvisation and I feel a lot of my work is attempting to find a way back to that child-like energy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
What I can I guess. I believe empathy is key to positive change on an interpersonal and political level. Anytime we make decisions informed by anything other than empathy we are led astray.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
There are some really lovely isolated towns near where I grew up on the Mid-North Coast of NSW around Bellingen and Dorrigo. I love to visit there when I can. My absolute favourite thing in the world is people, but a close runner-up is the absence of people.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A Vietnamese restaurant in Brisbane has some of the most addicting food on the planet, so I often take people there. No, I’m not going to tell you where it is, or the name of it. You’re going to have to become my friend and come to town for that information.
What are you currently reading?
My answers to these questions back. Wow, this guy is charming!
What are you currently listening to?
The Langley Schools Music Project – a collection of cover songs recorded about 50 years ago by a school choir and rediscovered and released about 25 years ago. It’s like a time capsule in a time capsule.
Happiness is?
A word that sounds very rude when said in a Swedish accent.
What does the future hold for you?
Currently, learning everything I possibly can about Shakespeare in preparation for The Complete Works, and then after that, trying to remove all that information from my brain with junk food and reality television. In my 1.3 years in the industry, I’ve learned the key is to try and remain as stupid as possible.
Tomas can be seen in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – which plays the Cremorne Theatre – QPAC from 15 May – 8 June 2025. For more information, visit: www.qpac.com.au for details.
Image: Tomas Pocilujko (supplied)