Who is Belinda Jenkin?
That’s a very good question- I get confused myself sometimes – I’m a performer, writer, teacher, Captain Starlight at the Royal Children’s Hospital and at the moment I pretend to be Phoebe Buffay in Friends! The Musical Parody. I guess I’m a shape shifter!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would pack lighter when flying so I don’t get caught out and have to pay for extra carry-on luggage… after attempting to put on all my clothes to try to lessen the load. Alas, I will never learn.
Who inspires you and why?
My late Pa, he was such a funny man and found a joke in everything – I really loved that about him, and I will try my best to continue that legacy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I will continue to not eat or use animal products.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have two – New York, big city lights, the theatre, a smelly subway and a white Christmas – what’s not to love. And the Murray River with my family – we go water skiing and wakeboarding each summer and have done for as long as I can remember… it’s just the best!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to the beach for a morning swim, then get a chai at the Snappy Grump Café as they have the best chai in Melbourne, then off to Monk Bodhi Dharma to have their delicious açai bowl, then to the NGV if there is a great exhibition on or to the theatre to see a show. I would do a full day out and about in Melbourne!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading this questionnaire. But if you are talking about books, I have been reading Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney.
What are you currently listening to?
The sound of my fingertips typing on my laptop keyboard and the tunes of Lizzy McAlpine playing in the background.
Happiness is?
Family dinners around the kitchen table, laughing with friends, being spontaneous, being embraced, being creative, performing, feeling the freedom of snowboarding down a mountain, running, finding a good leaf chai mix, and olives… but the list goes on. I should really just say happiness is many different things.
What does the future hold for you?
The rest of the Friends! The Musical Parody 2022 tour and then who knows! I guess that’s the blessing and burden of this industry
Belinda stars as Phoebe in Friends! The Musical Parody – which will play the Regal Theatre, Perth from 9 September; and the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne from 23 November 2022. For more information, visit: www.friendsmusical.com.au for details.
Image: Belinda Jenkin (supplied)