Who is Rebecca Kemp?
Who is Rebecca Kemp? Is she the eccentric and fiercely loyal Veta-Louise Simmons, desperately ignoring the six-foot rabbit in her home? The ambitious and dangerous Lady Macbeth? The celebrated and imperious Arkadina? Perhaps she’s Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Elizabeth Bolingbroke, Sybil Birling, Lettice Douffet, Mrs Allonby or Margo Channing. Over the years she has inhabited queens, grande dames, socialites, eccentrics, schemers and survivors with equal enthusiasm. The truth, however, is that none of them are Rebecca, and all of them are.
She is a lifelong storyteller who has finds joy in community theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes. Drawn to complex characters, sharp wit and the occasional glorious theatrical disaster, she believes theatre is at its best when it creates connection: between actors and audiences. Whether acting, directing or choreographing, she remains endlessly fascinated by the stories people tell and the truths those stories reveal, ‘cause all the best stories are true.
A fiercely independent Gen Xer with a creative streak that occasionally outruns good sense, Rebecca has become a familiar face within the arts community. She is passionate about nurturing theatre as a place where everyone belongs, where courage is rewarded, and where a group of strangers can become a family over the course of a rehearsal season. The characters may change, but that belief remains at the heart of everything she does.
Currently rehearsing The Man Who Came to Dinner with Adelaide Rep, she continues to be inspired by the talent, generosity and dedication of the theatre community around her. Whether acting, directing, choreographing or supporting a production from behind the scenes, she remains driven by the power of stories to bring people together.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Pause more, trust more, and try and live in the present more. Oh, and as a menopausal woman; eat more protein, lift more weights, have better sleep hygiene, drink enough water, take enough creatine, and try to stop impulse spending at girl Bunnings.
Who inspires you and why?
People who are loyal and fearless, people who are dreamers, and people who are kind,. I’ve been lucky to have those people in my life. Robert Bell is loyal and fearless. He inspires me to be brave (and vulnerable) in every single aspect of my life. Peter Goers is a dreamer and he encourages people to chase their dreams and he’s inspired me in the theatre to be a better actor and collaborator.
Michael Eustice is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He inspires me to be better towards all. On a larger global scale, people who aren’t scared to speak out on behalf of others, like Greta Thunberg and Jameela Jamil. People who had big dreams and supported big dreams like Gene Roddenberry and Lucille Ball. They all inspire and give me hope.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Ban all billionaires and trillionaires. You reach that status; then great you won capitalism – here’s a shiny plaque for your wall. Every dollar over that goes to solve homelessness, food security, health and education for everyone.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I haven’t got there yet, but I’m obsessed with Türkiye. I’m desperate to get there to experience all it has to offer. The culture, the history, the food, the coffee, the language. It seems to be mystical, magical, colourful, and loud. Every person I know who has travelled there waxes lyrical about it.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Kangaroo Island. What a glorious raw and natural place of beauty. You feel like you’re on the edge of the world, far from everyone but close to the elements. The Adelaide Central Markets which is a feast for the senses and The Flinders Ranges because the vista and the landscapes there are stunning.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve always been a huge consumer of fantasy stories because they seem to satisfy me on so many levels. It’s escapism but the emotional struggles are real, and it often gives meaning to the struggles. I’m currently reading The Sword of Fire by Katharine Kerr. She’s my favourite author in this genre. This is the sixteenth novel in the series. But it pushes the timeline out 400 years from where she left off. The Easter Eggs that point you back in time make me so happy.
(I’m also reading a script for a show I’m directing next year, but I can’t share what just yet!)
What are you currently listening to?
For good vibes my “mixed tape” playlist includes Violet Grohl, early Michael Jackson, John Farnham, Mozart, Gregory Porter, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse and Angine de Poitrine. For information, education and entertainment: 891 Local Radio Adelaide is always on in the car and playing through my headphones at work. To wind down at night I like a good podcast: Dropping names with Brent & Jonny, Films to be Buried with!, and Good Hang with Amy Poehler are on high rotation.
Happiness is?
Laughing with my friends. Doubled over, wheezing and wiping tears away because your favourite people are funny and clever – ELITE moments. Cutting absolutely loose to a banger on the dance floor. To be fully present with the music is so cathartic for brain and body.
What does the future hold for you?
Laughing with friends, dancing, and cheese 😉 More opportunities to play, create, tell stories, and spend more time with friends. Long rambling conversations with interesting people. A holiday – destination: Türkiye!
Rebecca can be seen in George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s The Man Who Came to Dinner – which will be presented by The Adelaide Repertory Theatre at the Arts Theatre from 9 – 18 July 2026.
Image: Rebecca Kemp (supplied)