Who is Tom Stokes?
I feel like an unreliable narrator answering this, but I’ll try and stick to the provable. Tom Stokes is painfully short of 6ft. Good at a quiz. The right kinda dancer for your wedding d-floor, but the wrong kinda dancer for your musical. Proud of my art and community. Trying to define myself by my role as a Father and less by my accolades.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d liked to have trusted myself and my opinions at a younger age, but learning how to muster that agency is valuable, so *shrug emoji* . I would have challenged myself to do the scary thing earlier maybe? I dunno, I love my job and my life is pretty decent so maybe everything is as it should be.
Who inspires you and why?
Family obviously. My parents, sister, wife and son are all so bloody excellent. My friends are also so goddamn impressive it’s sickening. Professionally, my immediate peers. Those finding their own quirky path. The youth, enthusiasm and prowess in the room currently for Anna X is pretty inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I sometimes like to think that artistry is my little way of doing that, but honestly, I get so much out of art personally that it feels a tad disingenuous. I’d go to that protest I missed. I’d be more involved with my union. I’d make more time for that friend going through something hard.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Every time I go to London I tell myself I’ll go there to live at some point. Just a year. Do a West End show. That doesn’t sound bad right? Honestly the answer is somewhere 2 hours away in a tent and a campfire and a bunch of kids going nuts.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m a sucker for a good ACMI or NGV exhibit. If there is a good gig at the forum or Northcote Theatre, that’s lovely. A walk along the Merri and a meal somewhere bustling in the CBD.
What are you currently reading?
I don’t read. I should read. You should read. It’s important to read. I don’t read. For fun at least. I’ll read a script 5 billion times to prepare, but my brain doesn’t like books anymore.
What are you currently listening to?
NOW I CAN TALK. I’m on a real early 2000’s NY Indy band kick at the moment. Anna X is set in New York and I’ve been drawn back to the music of my early 20’s. Interpol, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s etc. That said, here is what is floating my boat: CMAT, Robyn, Raye, Joji, Rosalía, Hayley Williams. Lots more!
Happiness is?
Hugs at the end of a long day with my boy and my wife. A playful new choice with a fellow actor. A sauna. A ramen on a cold day. A bike ride of the St Kilda Road bridge at dusk.
What does the future hold for you?
The immediate future is Anna X at Red Stitch. My first show at this famous theatre. Working with a team of people who are all new to me, on a piece that is relentless and sprints like a horse. Writing this reminds me to stop and have a little breathe. Doing this is a privilege, whatever the greater future holds.
Tom stars as Ariel in Joseph Charlton’s Anna X – currently playing at the Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre until 21 June 2026. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Tom Stokes (supplied)