Who is Emma Powell?
A music theatre performer who is definitely more of a mover than a dancer! She’s a mother of a daughter who she can’t believe is twenty one.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Either breed and train horses or write fiction novels. Or maybe both.
Who inspires you and why?
Oh lots of people at any given moment inspire me which makes it hard to single out any one person. My mum who passed away in 2013 has always been a consistent inspiration to me because of her work for those less fortunate and breaking some glass ceilings along the way.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Oh boy there’s so many things. I guess it’s the little things. If all the people who said “I’m just one person what can I do?” did something small and seemingly insignificant change is inevitable. I feel very strongly about having a compassionate outlook on life and try to bring that into my own life. I’d also like to help some of our leadership tap into that part of themselves too.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m a sucker for warm weather and a pool side bar. My last holiday was Phuket and I am desperate to go back. I have a bucket list holiday that I really want to do… which is a Horseriding Holiday through Spain on the back of a Lippiznaner. Heaven!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I don’t think I’m alone in saying – eating out! We are so so lucky here in Melbourne to have such incredible choices when it comes to our taste buds. It’s a foodie’s dream. Not to mention the little alley way bars and rooftops to while away the hours with a bottle of something yummy.
What are you currently reading?
Nothing at the moment – terrible I know! I go through stages with books. Often I’ll be reading three at once and I can’t get enough but then I’ll stop for a few months. If I get a book that I can’t put down – it’ll keep me up until the early hours of the morning because I’ll go “Oh just one more chapter.” A good book isn’t good for my sleeping patterns!
What are you currently listening to?
I’m a podcast girl. When I’m cleaning the house, or cooking or driving. I listen to Crooked Media podcasts which cover US Politics – which lets face it is incredibly interesting. I also like True Crime and I’m hooked on True Crime Obsessed – which interestingly is made by two people from the music theatre scene in the US and it’s incredibly funny… I also like The Moth – makes me tear up most times at the honesty, humour and simplicity of the stories.
Happiness is?
A day off because when I’m in a show I only get one a week!
What does the future hold for you?
I suspect it will be something interesting as my life has always been one of twists and turns and I very rarely feel like I’m in control of it. Go with the flow! Although I have just finished writing my first novel and am looking at self-publishing it very soon so maybe being a fiction writer might actually come to fruition then all I need to do is get going on the horse breeding thing!
Emma stars as Beulah (& Others) in the Australian premiere season of Come From Away – which plays Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 3 July 2019 (Opening Night: 20 July). For more information, visit: www.comefromaway.com.au for details.
Image: Emma Powell (supplied)