Who is Laura Irish?
Laura Irish is an award-winning, visionary Multidisciplinary Creative (director, producer, writer, performer) with 20+ years of experience conceiving, directing, producing, and steering groundbreaking performance, film, and transformative storytelling projects across three countries and a mum of two. Also a dual citizen of USA and NZ.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I could go back in time, I would have pursued an acting career in LA or New York immediately out of school and not become a jack-of-all-trades creative. Alternatively, if I were to pursue something completely different from this field, I would have loved to do fashion and commercial photography or become a clinical psychologist.
Who inspires you and why?
Women who attempt to balance both family and pursuing their dreams without caring what other people think. Women who rail against conformity and societal constructs. It’s often thankless and judgemental and exhausting and filled with guilt or mistakes or imposter syndrome. So any woman who pursues both without letting the opinions of others deter them, they are who inspire me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I want to make experiences that people remember. Experiences that connect others together.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hawaii or New York City – Hawaii is pretty obvious. NYC because I love the city, the bustle, the art, the theatre, the food, the magic.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Melbourne, Yarraville – just because it’s cute. Malthouse for great theatre. ImproMelbourne for some laughs. Mr. Ramen for the best ramen. Northcote Social Club for concerts.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished The Let Them Theory. It has changed my brain. I’m currently reading The High Five Habit and Animal Farm. And also of course Romeo & Juliet because I have new lines to learn.
What are you currently listening to?
Albi & the Wolves – This is War Album, Calacrol (That’s our band!), Lawrence – The Family Business Album and anything by Ollie Howlett. I’ve also been on a massive 90s country kick recently. Goodness knows why. And we just listened to a wild podcast called PRETEND – specifically the series about LaDonna Humphrey. Crazy modern true crime.
Happiness is?
Driving through the outback from Brisbane to Adelaide, stopping in Broken Hill, dodging kangaroos and shooting a music video all at the same me with your mates. Also watching a Seinfeld and having a cuddle with my daughter.
What does the future hold for you?
This is a big question. It’s a major time of transition in my life and the next few weeks and months will determine what the future holds for myself and The Barden Party. But I know it will contain more music, laughs, travel, connection and storytelling.
Laura will play Macbeth in Macbeth and Juliet in Romeo & Juliet – in two productions presented by The Barden Party at Chapel Off Chapel from 27 May 2025. For more information, visit: www.thebardenparty.com for details.
Image: Laura Irish (supplied)