Who is Will Lonsdale?
Will Lonsdale is a Melbourne based actor, originally from Wagga Wagga. Will has always held a strong passion for encouraging and engaging peoples imaginations with a good story. While cutting his teeth in WAAPA’s esteemed Bachelor of Acting, Will won the peer-voted Finley award for the most improved actor.
Who inspires you and why?
Recently, I have come to find myself being very inspired by the American comedian Jerrod Carmichael. His style of comedy is seemingly more of a confessional than a performance. I find it deeply resonant at the same time as it being surprisingly funny.
He did a doco-series where in each episode he goes over the real problems in his life, where he is often at fault (for example, serially cheating on his boyfriend), and it is refreshing and compelling to experience someone being so honest about such things.
In many ways, I want to experience Luke as my own personal confessional. I think that’s the provocation/gift/challenge Angus Cameron has given us with this play. How honest are we willing to be? I am hoping I will be brave.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I guess my small, small, small contribution to the world is trying to show up in my life with kindness, patience, and generosity. I believe in the cumulative effects of many small actions, so if I can show kindness to someone, then maybe they’ll pass it on. You know, Larry David’s Golden Rule, etc.
With regards to my work, I think the importance of igniting someone’s imagination with a compelling story cannot be overstated. Creativity is so human, and compelling people into a state of childlike wonder and curiosity is really hard to do in a culture that has seen anything and everything, where nothing is new.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Growing up, I moved around a lot, but I always longed to stay in the same place. I’d get attached. So when rare holidays come around, I usually stay in Melbourne and just enjoy the change in routine. This is a known fault of mine, and I do want to change. I try to get back to Wagga often to see my family, and I’ve also grown quite fond of Port Fairy after working there a little.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Maybe it’s my Greek heritage, but this has to be something around food. I just went to this awesome restaurant called Patris (shoutout to my awesome partner Ariana – she has the best taste). So maybe there? Also, I’m not sure if there is a place more perfect on Earth than the Edinburgh Gardens during golden hour, when it’s warm and bustling with picnics, skaters, families, and friends.
What are you currently reading?
I tend to read a few books at once, not in an impressive way, but in a goldfish memory kind of way. I like to put down a book if it’s boring me after a hundred pages. I’m not saying this is a foolproof system or anything, as some of the best books I’ve ever read have confused and bored me right up until their ends. This being said, I recently finished The Young Man by Annie Ernaux.
While I’m working on a project, I like to read books that have some relevance to the work. This book was a frank chronicle of the author’s relationship with a much younger man, and there is something beautiful about Ernaux being so open about something that felt so taboo at the time (and still today), without feeling the need to justify it morally.
What are you currently listening to?
Every year, my housemate and I sit down and create an ‘album of the year’ list, so I’m always on the hunt for cool new albums. The current front runners for me are: U by Underscores, and the new records by Westside Cowboy, Phoebe Bridgers, and Denzel Curry/Kenny Beats. I am also always listening to The Viagra Boys – a legendary Swedish post-punk band, and Keith Jarrett – a really cool American pianist/composer.
Happiness is?
Somewhere in every moment.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m excited to continue growing, seeing more things, and making more art!
Will stars as Chris in the world premiere season of LUKE by Angus Cameron – which will be presented at Red Stitch Actors Theatre from 12 September – 11 October 2026. For more information, visit: www.redstitch.net for details.
Image: Will Lonsdale (supplied)