Who is Bridie Connell?
I’m an actor, writer and unabashed optimist. I love to laugh and I love to make people laugh, so my career to date has mostly been about celebrating that (by writing for/appearing in lots of television and stage comedy), or hiding that (by sneaking jokes into Highly Serious Scripts and hoping no one will tell me off).
What would you do differently from what you do now?
*ALERT FOR CHEESY ANSWER INCOMING* I wouldn’t! I have always known that I wanted to be a performer and writer, and I feel immense gratitude that I get to share my jokes and my creative voice with my audiences.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who has the courage to just have a go. It’s so easy to give in to the critics (both external and internal) and stay in our comfort zone, so seeing people who put themselves out there is something I greatly admire and applaud.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Bring back nap time for all! Why did we let go of that being the standard after pre-school? Rested people = happy people, and happy people make the world a better place.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I travelled to Portugal a few years ago, and as soon as I got home I saved up and immediately went back. I love it SO much. It’s a country with incredible architecture, amazing people and an admirable devotion to pastry treats.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends visit me here in Sydney I like to be tourists with them – I didn’t grow up here, so I still get excited by the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and all of that beautiful glitzy stuff. My favourite way to show off the city is a night time road trip with great tunes and stops to strategic lookouts all over Sydney. I love the city at night, it’s magic.
What are you currently reading?
Right now I’m reading an anthology of Nora Ephron’s work. Her writing is so clever, funny and sparkly – I take great inspiration from her.
What are you currently listening to?
The playlist that my big brother regularly updates for me. It’s full of my favourite songs plus weird new stuff that he reckons I’ll like. I make a playlist for him, too – we live in different countries so it’s a nice way of connecting and letting each other know we’re thinking of each other.
Happiness is?
Good food, good music, good health and good company.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m bursting with dreams for my future, including (but not limited to): writing some incredible movies and plays, performing onstage in the West End, and attaining favourite auntie status amongst all the new bubs in our family.
Bridie is one of the team captains for Slide Night! – a competitive evening of spontaneous comedy at the Sydney Opera House from 15 – 25 June 2023.
Image: Bridie Connell (supplied)