Who is Jacqy Phillips?
I was six when I first performed, as a rabbit and a flame in Robin Of The Greenwood, written by my grandfather and directed by my mother. Those characters have informed all my future work and I have been professional for 39 years. I am also a mother and grandmother of some gorgeous people and several creatures.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who is irrepressible. Most recently, the company of people I am working with on The Young King. Charlotte Rampling, Maggie Smith, Michael Fuller and my musical partner, Cliff.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d sing You Are My Sunshine in front of the tanks in Syria, while the gun runners of the world are shot with their own weapons.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The Westerly Islands off the coast of Iceland because they sit in the ocean, fringed by black sand and want me to come over to them.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
Milang on Lake Alexandrina – with its tiny heritage beach houses, pelicans and huge lawns to run the dogs.
What are you currently reading?
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro.
What are you currently listening to?
The Harrow and The Harvest by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.
Happiness is?
Busking in Basel.
What does the future hold for you?
A new production of a new musical called Price Check by Sean Weatherly and Cerise de Gelder opening in July at the Bakehouse in Adelaide. Then Tartuffe for Brink and State Theatre in November of this year. In the meantime our duo Tin Can Alley plays at the Repat’ Hospital for the patients and everywhere else we are asked.
Jacqy will be starring in Slingsby Theatre Company’s production of The Young King presented as part of the 2016 Adelaide Festival of Arts: 27 February – 13 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefestival.com.au or www.slingsby.net.au for details.
Image: Jacqy Phillips by Andy Ellis