Who is Lloyd Allison-Young?
I’m an actor, sometimes composer, and a VO artist living in Sydney.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If performing were suddenly off the table, I imagine I’d like to make things with my hands. Painting, sculpting, leather work, clay. All things at which I am terrible. There’s something extremely satisfying about having a physical result after a period of hard work and focus, something that doesn’t generally exist in live performance.
Who inspires you and why?
Artists, small business owners, anyone who is trying to carve out a life for themselves in a unique way is someone I find inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Start small, start local, try to be a little kinder and a little more open with the people I encounter daily, with the hope that it might ripple outward and onward.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Naples is wild. There is a chaotic energy to the place that I find intoxicating. Sure, the people, the cuisine, the architecture, the history, the weather, the Mediterranean… incredible. But my impression of the city’s energy is what I remember most.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d take them to the Bondi Pavilion to see The Kingdom of Eucalypts: The Enigma of Miles Franklin playing from 30 October to 17 November. It’s a thrilling and mysterious piece of theatre that investigates the unknown, sometimes-troubling history of one of Australia’s most celebrated authors amidst the rise of fascism in Australia. The venue, the creative team, the story, it’s all a chef’s kiss.
What are you currently reading?
Nana – Émile Zola.
What are you currently listening to?
Birds in the trees out my window, morning traffic, parents taking their children to school, the kettle boiling, BETA by Peter Cat Recording Co.
Happiness is?
John Berger said “Happiness is not something to be pursued, it is something met, an encounter. Most encounters, however, have a sequel; this is their promise. The encounter with happiness has no sequel. All is there instantly. Happiness is what pierces grief.” I’m not sure if I entirely agree, but I don’t disagree.
What does the future hold for you?
Surprise, hopefully. Adventure. Challenge. Joy. Heartbreak, surely. Joy again.
Lloyd can be seen in Alice Spigelman’s The Kingdom of Eucalypts: The Enigma of Miles Franklin – which will play the Bondi Pavilion from 30 October – 17 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.moirablumenthalproductions.com.au for details.
Image: Lloyd Allison-Young (supplied)