Who is Ben Lewis?
An actor and singer, a husband and sports tragic. Based in London, I am looking forward to returning to Sydney to perform with some fabulous ladies and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Occasionally, in a weak moment, I’ll say to my wife Melle, ‘let’s move to New Zealand and run a B&B’. But those thoughts are more a product of living in the hustle and bustle of central London. The reality is that I love what I do now and can’t imagine doing anything else. Maybe a travel writer. That’d be a good gig I reckon’.
Who inspires you and why?
I’d say it’s less about “who” and more about “what” inspires me. I find passion inspiring, and dedication to that passion even more so. I love people who just work bloody hard and commit to their choices. People who will stick their neck out when necessary even if it’s detrimental to themselves because they know it’s the right thing to do. That inspires me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Turn off every mobile phone. People might start talking to each other again.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The South Island of New Zealand. I’m a proud Australian but if you’ve been to NZ you’ll understand why the Kiwis are so patriotic.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Living in London, I’d have to say the theatre. Our ideal evening would probably be dinner at the Real Food Markets on Southbank followed by a show at the National Theatre.
What are you currently reading?
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Ever since I read The Hobbit as a child I’ve been a sucker for Fantasy. Happy to let the inner nerd loose when it comes to literature.
What are you currently listening to?
Kurt Elling, Tom Waits, Mussorgsky, Benjamin Britten, Gregory Porter, Harry Connick Jr, Stravinsky, Ben Harper…
Happiness is?
Watching my wife onstage. It’s like knowing a huge secret before everyone else does.
What does the future hold for you?
Not a clue. And I probably wouldn’t change that. The life of an actor is challenging, but one of the many rewards is working with people and visiting places that you never would in any other walk of life.
Ben will be returning from London to join Lucy Durack, Amanda Harrison, Helen Dallimore, Jemma Rix and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of Witches at the Sydney Opera House on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July 2016. For more information, visit: www.sydneysymphony.com for details.
Image: Ben Lewis