On the Couch with Chris Ioan Roberts

Chris Ioan Roberts Arts Review On the CouchWho is Chris Ioan Roberts?
Itinerant Australian expat actor, writer and director living in London. Originally an uptown girl from Melbourne.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Listened more actively during French classes. Also selecting a London flat that has a kitchen. I also should have taken a beta-blocker before doing an ABC Radio National interview earlier this week.

Who inspires you and why?
My partner Kingsley Hall. I’m captivated by his incredible heart, staggering artistry, ability to tolerate my many idiosyncrasies and his lion’s mane of hair that cascades down to his shoulders. It’s like waking up next to a rugged Botticelli’s Venus.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Withdraw the amateur performing rights to My Fair Lady.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Galápagos Islands. I’ve actually never been there but I reckon it’d be rad. Plans are afoot. Failing that, Flying Point Beach in the Hamptons. I last skinny dipped there at night and it was a revelation until a small crustacean ran off with my bathers I’d carefully left in a secret location.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In London, probably the Royal Academy for their gobsmacking collection – it is an embarrassment of riches + interesting chin-stroking debates between people with huge beating brains. In Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens in summer for an outdoors cinema session on that ridiculous inflatable screen of something like Heathers or Death Becomes Her. Failing that, something directed by Matt Lutton or Adena Jacobs at the Malthouse – can’t go wrong!

What are you currently reading?
Right now I’m reading an article my brother sent me from the London Review of Books titled Stinking Rich by Jenny Diski. It’s great and shits all over Richard Branson who is due for a good public kicking, don’t you think?

What are you currently listening to?
Right now I’m listening to the opening sequence of Nixon in China by John Adams. I’m not popular at parties.

Happiness is?
Sitting at home with my partner working on new projects.

What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully evening strolls with our dogs (not yet acquired) and more international adventures.

Chris is currently presenting his one-man-show, Dead Royal at fortyfivedownstairs until Sunday 28 August 2016. For more information, visit: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or www.chrisioanroberts.com for details.

Image: Chris Ioan Roberts – photo by Wolf Marloh