Who is Zoe Ioannou?
Well hello there! My name’s Zoe. I sing sometimes. Devour halloumi often. Crave good coffee. And I like to tell stories for a living. I do so mostly on stage, but right now my nephew’s picture book collection has me working after hours. I’m almost certain he’s laughing at me, and not with me. Given he’s one (or can I still say 12 months?), I’m happy to let it slide.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m Greek Cypriot! It’s my moral duty to master our motherland’s biscuit: the humble Amygdalota. I will confess there’s a Christopher’s Cake Shop just around the corner from me. Maybe ask me again in 50 years?
Who inspires you and why?
Most definitely my grandfather, Dudley Simpson. A legend in his own right, and will forever be my biggest inspiration. He was a conductor and composer best known for writing the original incidental music for the Doctor Who Series.
He would travel the world as a Principal Conductor for the ballet, where he met my grandmother, a principal ballerina. I loved he never took life too seriously. He’d be looking down on me right now in fits of laughter, watching me attempt to master the piano for my next project, Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of). I really should have kept up those scales Gramps!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope to keep being a story teller. To be a small part in somebody else’s joy, the world needs that right now. What’s wrong with escaping the dreariness of the day to day for a few hours? Turn those phones to silent. “Come to the theatre,” my fellow Australian Arts Review readers! I promise you, you’ll be smiling cheek to cheek when we’re done with you!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Definitely London. Why? Unfortunately I have expensive taste. And I’m a cuppa tea kinda gal.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
FLOUR coffee and doughroom. Our little hidden gem in South Sydney. Trust me when I say, it’s worth the travel for their pistachio crookie alone. I’d couple that with a picnic at Observatory Hill, or take a weekend away to the Southern Highlands. It never ceases to disappoint.
What are you currently reading?
Rehearsals are nearly complete and shows are about to commence, so I’ll be swapping out this wonderful well worn script for something new. I’m just about to start on Simple Soulful Sacred, by Megan Dalla-Camina. I’m told it’s an absolutely divine read, centering around empowering women to rise to their greatest potential.
What are you currently listening to?
Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving album. Though come 6:00pm, when the day is done and the rehearsal shoes come off, it’s time for “hey siri: play me something along the lines of classical chill”. It’s my favourite way to offload and unwind.
Happiness is?
Having my own veggie garden. Singing around a piano. Fireplaces. Cute lampposts. Christmas sweaters. Need I say more?
What does the future hold for you?
Make my millions so London stops hounding, (duh?!). Telling more stories. Mastering those biscuits. And, I hope, continue to make my grandfather proud. One accidental diminished 7th chord at a time.
Zoe stars in Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) – which plays Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre from 18 June, Sydney Opera House from 16 July, IPAC Wollongong from 2 September, Canberra Theatre Centre from 16 September and QPAC, Brisbane from 30 September 2026. For more information, www.prideandprejudicesortof.com.au for details.
Image: Zoe Ioannou (supplied)