Who is Jarrad Inman?
I am a performer and a proud Noongar man from a loving family in Albany, WA. I’ve been on stage in various ways since I was 12, and now, at 24, I’m still having a lot of fun. I spend most of my time as a frontman in the live music scene under the name ‘Ricky Neil Jr.’
While this is where I feel most at home, I also have a deep passion for acting and have worked with some great companies in my short time. I’ve performed on many stages across Perth, from MOJOS with the band to His Majesty’s Theatre with the West Australian Opera. I consider myself extremely blessed.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Honestly, I love what I do, but sometimes it can feel pretty self-centered. I think I’d like to be a teacher someday. I had a lot of great teachers, and I was not a good student. So, I guess I’d like to give back in that way. Or maybe I’ll just get huge and become a pro wrestler. One of the two, right?
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my peers and those around me who keep making art. It might sound sooky, but trying to be an artist can be difficult to navigate. For most of us, it’s financially unstable, hard on our self-esteem, and really difficult to explain to strangers and relatives alike. So when I see someone who still has the drive to express themselves, it makes me feel a little less insane. OH! also Prince.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Put better people in charge.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I haven’t done much holidaying, per se, so I’m not sure I really have an answer. Honestly, I’d probably just head home. The southwest’s beaches and rivers are the best. I like to think that if there’s an afterlife, I’ll be sitting in a camping chair, ankle-deep in the water at Torbay Inlet.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Secret Albany spots, I wish I could tell you more but I’d have to shoot ya!
What are you currently reading?
I’m deep into the Wundig wer Wilura libretto right now. Gina and Guy have been family to me over the past five years, so I’m doing my best to refresh myself and honour this work as we head south to play these songs.
What are you currently listening to?
The Crux – Djo (2025 Album)
Happiness is?
Eating devilled sausages with mash and watching movies with people I love. Simple but fixes my brain every time.
What does the future hold for you?
With any luck? Bigger stages, larger crowds, new cities, and more art. I can’t look too far ahead, so I’ll keep it vague: release more music, do more auditions, keep my head down, and I’ll figure it out. Hopefully, future Jarrad is a happy man.
Jarrad will reprise the role of Gulambiddi in West Australian Opera’s regional tour of Wundig wer Wilura In Concert, which is playing at the Albany Entertainment Centre on 5 November and the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on 7 November 2025. For more information, visit: www.waopera.asn.au for details.
Image: Jarrad Inman (supplied)