Who is Elise McCann?
What a question! How much time do we have?! I am a generous smiler, an occasional fast talker, who is incredibly organised and loves playsuits, the sun and drinking tea! In a less social networking profile sense – I am a Sydney actor currently playing Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If we are talking life lessons, I used to be a massive worry wart. Always planning ahead and trying to short fuse possible problems. I now try to worry less and love more! Live a little more presently I guess you could say. So If i could do something differently I would probably try and encourage my younger self to let go a little and hopefully not waste so many years worrying and rather get to enjoying life a little sooner. If we are talking what career would I have if I wasn’t an actor, that’s easy – I would be a criminal law barrister.
Who inspires you and why?
There are lots of people that inspire me. For lots of different reasons. But someone that continues to inspire me is my friend Michael. We’ve known each other since I was about 15 and he is one of my dearest friends. He is so kind. He is brave. And he is interminably supportive. He is constantly seeking knowledge and is always open to new ideas, to learning about other people, he is genuinely interested in growing and expanding and being a kind and honest and inquisitive human. He reminds me to continue to educate myself and to be courageous and compassionate.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe that we change the world by empowering people. I want to empower and support young women and men to be generous, open and brave individuals. Everyone is just doing their best. If we try and approach every person and situation with kindness and compassion and tolerance then maybe some day we will function more from a sense of community and inclusion rather than the narcissistic version of society we see a lot of today.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t have one. I haven’t been on a proper holiday for ages. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Ooh good question. Well I am a Sydney girl so I always love trying new things in Melbourne. But there are a few things I love to do time and again when I’m town and take my family and friends along with me. First is probably going to the South Melbourne markets. They have awesome food, great vibe and during the night markets – great fun music. I also love going for a jog or a picnic in the botanic gardens. And if I’m looking for a night out, I’d take friends to the awesome roof top bar at Naked For Satan – the view is excellent – and then a dance at the Night Cat. I would of course bring them to see Matilda at the Princess Theatre as well obviously!
What are you currently reading?
I have been reading a book called Grace and Grit for the last 2 years… Still reading it. I started reading Brenè Brown’s Rising Strong about 3 months ago, and still reading that. And I just finished Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance thanks to the excellent invention of audible!
What are you currently listening to?
I am addicted to the new Allen Stone album Radius. And in a more nerdy, but equally addictive sense I can’t stop listening to the broadway musical Hamilton. I also listen to a lot of podcasts and am frequenting season 2 of Serial and Tim Ferriss’ awesome podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show.
Happiness is?
Being excited by your life
What does the future hold for you?
A bunch more of Matilda for a while. And then who knows?! Whatever makes me feel excited 🙂
Following its critically-acclaimed season in Sydney, Elise will be starring as Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 13 March 2016. For more information, visit: au.matildathemusical.com for details.
Image: Elise McCann