Who is Ethan Churchill?
I’m an extremely passionate and (sometimes painfully) optimistic person – in every aspect of my life. I was born in Manchester, UK, and moved to Perth when I was 5 – which means I’m fluent in Australian!
My first love was Music. It has been such a massive part of my upbringing and life. Without my dad raising me on the genre of rock, I never would’ve become a drummer and joined a band during high school. And without my mum exposing me to the powerhouse vocalists of the world and all the awesome dance tracks that came from the 90’s & 2000’s – I wouldn’t of found my passion for singing and dancing!
My biggest passion is telling stories that inspire others and take them away from the chaos of their world, through song and dance of course. Over my 6-year career in Perth, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had a plethora of stage experience. Each one offering me so much growth and many valuable lessons.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Honestly, I don’t spend much time thinking about this. As I’m fortunate enough to say that I’m exactly where I want to be and truly don’t see anything else for my life.
But, if I had to think about it… I mentioned before I was (still am) a drummer, so it would probably be gigging with a band/ artists. If we are talking something away from the arts; then I’d love to be a pilot! Aviation has always fascinated me, and was where my life was headed before falling in love with Music and the Theatre.
Who inspires you and why?
What a question. To be inspired is such a blessing, and to inspire others is a super power. For me, three friends come to mind and one big time celeb.
Vincent Hooper: Vincent was my first ever male role model in musical theatre. A lot of my process, discipline and standard comes from watching and learning from this beautiful human being. He has always had my back and always pushed me to be better.
Fraser Stewart: someone who I studied with and performed alongside in many shows throughout my time in Perth. Fraser inspires me to chase after what I want for myself as a performer. As that’s exactly what he’s done for himself. He moved to the UK and within 6 months booked MJ the Musical. It was written in the stars but to follow that journey has inspired me to take that step. And that’s exactly what I’m ‘gonna’ do!
Jordan Anthony: (yes THE Australian boy from American Idol). Jordan is like a younger brother to me, and I’m so inspired by his immaculate talent to write songs. The way he expresses himself through music and song inspires me to do the same with my acting through song.
Freddie Mercury: the confidence and power Freddie possessed on stage was unique only to him. He had you in the palm of his hand whenever he graced the stage. He faced some extremely challenging circumstances in his life, and even through sickness persevered to do what he does best and give the audience what they deserve. He inspires me to always give everything and more whenever I perform, and don’t let even the toughest obstacles stop you from doing whatever it is that gives you life and happiness.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would turn the compassion level of the world up by 2000%. I truly believe that if everyone was led by compassion, the world would be a much more understanding, accepting and loving place. Every person has trouble, that is worth something to them. Whether it’s as heavy as the next person or not, it’s still their burden. If we all practiced compassion, (I’d like to think) we would live in a much brighter world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Love this question!! I haven’t had the opportunity to travel too much in my life at the moment. But I recently visited the Whitsunday Islands (specifically Hamilton and Hayman) and I think that part of the world is unmatched. It’s a place with beautiful landscape and unbelievable views. The water is perfect and you can spend time there engaging in heaps of activities or just kick back and unwind from the stresses of life.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, Western Australia is known for its gorgeous beaches. So that’s an easy one. But personally, I love Hyde Park. It’s a gorgeous park just north of Perth that isn’t too loud, has a great cafe close by for that coffee catch up and is visually beautiful. There’s something so calming about that place which draws me back to it every. single. time.
What are you currently reading?
Something I do engage in (and look forward to) quite often are the blogs on Substack. Specifically, only the ones from my friend Jacob Steen. Who writes about his thoughts, feelings and experiences he’s felt/ goes through in his current career in MT. I feel so exposed answering this, like it’s 2025 everyone reads books, but I just don’t. Maybe I will, I’m very open to it!
What are you currently listening to?
Right now, and for a while, a lot of Drum and bass, house and RnB music. My partner and I have a group of friends outside of my theatre world that listen to the same genres. We all love going to festivals to dance and bond over these styles of music!
Happiness is?
Happiness is many different things. It could be a person, a song, a place, a thought even! But for me happiness is following and pursuing your passions/ things that give you fulfilment. If you’re lucky enough to do so – I believe it can give a sense of happiness and of purpose. Which is what we all strive for, right?
What does the future hold for you?
Well I hope the future holds a healthy and happy career in performance for me! I mentioned this before, the immediate future for me looks like a move to the UK to pursue my career in the West End! It’s a huge goal of mine to perform on those stages, to continue to learn more about my craft and develop my skills amongst likeminded people.
Ethan stars as Tony Manero in Drew Anthony Creative’s production of Saturday Night Fever – which will be presented at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 8 – 25 January 2026. For more information, visit: www.drewanthonycreative.com.au for details.
Image: Ethan Churchill (supplied)