Who is Jacob Watton?
The kind of question you would normally get to on a second date! How intimate. My name is Jacob Watton I’m a performer and creator based in Brisbane, Queensland. I grew up in regional Queensland in a town called Toowoomba where my passion for performing began.
My first memory of performing is as Chip in Beauty and the Beast presented in one of my favourite theatres in the world: the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. I’ve been chasing the high of that experience ever since and have had the absolute privilege of finding it from time to time.
One of these magic dopamine projects is Trent Dalton’s Love Stories which I have the absolute honour of performing in as a dancer and an actor. I’m obsessed. Other than performing I have a passion for coffee and wine. I don’t know whether they are hobbies but, they are wonderful.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’ve often daydreamed of starting a very trendy coffee shop, the kind that you just hang out in all day. Not profitable but undeniably very cool. Maybe it’s open later than 2pm as my family has a pretty tremendous ability to sleep having had a coffee an hour beforehand. That being said, I’d have to get better at frothing the milk. Totally a skill. Thank you, Baristas.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my friends. I find myself drawn to courageous, talented people. Watching them take risks, ask for support, and succeed (or fail) is inspiring. Watching them fend off lions and summon a crowd with an idea and a single marketing image, makes me want to get in the ring with them. They make it look so easy. How hard can it be? Would you believe. Really hard.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the difference between a friend group and a community. A friend group is like a bubble, where you think and feel and are very similar to each other. Whereas a community doesn’t agree on everything. There are things that pull it together and push it apart, and that’s the point.
To be challenged is a very specific type of love. A type of love that I don’t have in my life right now. I don’t think any of us have it. I have beautiful friends and family, but I don’t belong to a community anymore. If I could change the world: I’d start there.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have never been more relaxed than on Magnetic Island in Far North Queensland. The beaches, the energy, the pace. I’d recommend it.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If we want to stay in Brisbane, we will fill ourselves with art and culture in South Bank. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to start with, lunch in Fish Lane or maybe Chu the Phat. A show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to finish us off. If we’re road tripping, maybe heading up to the Sunshine Coast and Maleny to visit the cheese circuit, or the Gold Coast to see Mermaid Beach. So many options.
What are you currently reading?
For Christmas my brother got me the complete works of Shakespeare; a massive volume that doesn’t fit on my bookcase. I am yet to crack into it because I am daunted by the scope of it. My Mum and Dad got me Lola in the Mirror by my mate Trent Dalton, which I have been devouring but haven’t gotten to the end so no spoilers please. He’s very good is our Dalton.
What are you currently listening to?
As a dancer, the music I listen to is pretty alienating, sorry. If you’re into alternative music I recently discovered Christophe Filippi. His latest album Volume 1: Of Thoughts & Trials makes my brain itch.
Happiness is?
Happiness is a journey. A process of unravelling knowing that when you find it today, it will look different tomorrow.
What does the future hold for you?
Well, the future in the immediate includes me packing a bag and jetting off to Adelaide for Love Stories. I’m so excited to be touring this heart felt show. It’s beautiful. You should come (bring some tissues). After that, rest. This year I’m trying to go slower. I get wrapped up in the busy-ness of the world, the deadlines, and the things to do, that sometimes I forget that I can’t just go forever. Cheers to rest.
Jacob can be seen in Trent Dalton’s Love Stories – which will be presented in the Dunstan Playhouse – Adelaide Festival Centre, from 12 – 16 March, as part of the 2025 Adelaide Festival. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestival.com.au for details.
Image: Jacob Watton (supplied)