Who is Lucy Goleby?
Hi, I’m Lucy Goleby. I’m an actor, voiceover artist and audiobook narrator. I’m also a mum to a 4-year-old and 2-year-old, both children I had while playing Ginny Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne. I work across theatre, film and TV, and have a real love for developing new work for the stage, diving into dramaturgy and narrative. I was the voice and text captain for the Harry Potter company, and have a deep interest in vocal health and pushing the boundaries of what a human voice can do! I’m currently playing Mrs Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher, and just finished filming Saccharine – a feature film for Stan.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m pretty content with my life at the moment! I feel very lucky. I love having a variety of jobs popping up, although I possibly need to get better at listening to my inner voice and saying no sometimes! The juggle of family and work is real.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m constantly inspired by my husband, who has a remarkable capacity for tolerance and kindness. His motto is that everyone is suffering from something you know nothing about, so be kind – and he upholds that motto every day. I’m also constantly inspired by the generosity of the actors I work with. In every rehearsal room I’m surprised and delighted by the grace, humility, courage and passion of actors as they create worlds and people from inside themselves, bravely and vulnerably offering that to audiences to inspire hope, conversation, understanding and curiosity.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think education has the capacity to make the biggest difference, so providing access to education, along with all the resources that enable education to be possible. There are so many obstacles to education that aren’t obvious, and there are so many opportunities for education that get neglected by a focus on curriculum. Learning happens anywhere curiosity and attention is sparked.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with a pool to keep my kids happy! I also dream of a solo yoga retreat in Bali…
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Geelong, so I always take visitors for a walk along the beautiful Geelong waterfront, and then to explore the Geelong Arts Centre, a newly renovated building with multiple performance spaces.
What are you currently reading?
Educated by Tara Westover, a remarkable memoir about growing up as an uneducated and radicalised child, and the transformative power of education. Bit of a theme there! It’s also a heart-breaking exploration of choices between family and future, and what happens when you speak up.
What are you currently listening to?
I love a good podcast, and have just finished The Good Whale, from Serial Productions, about Keiko, the whale who performed in Free Willy, and his journey to be released into the wild. My go-to listen is always Heavyweight, which looks at repairing relationships and reveals a lot about human behaviour.
Happiness is?
A good cup of coffee in the morning and cuddles with my family.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully, a lot more of the same, with some great surprises thrown in!
Lucy stars as Mrs Bumbrake in the Australian production of Peter and the Starcatcher – which plays Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from 31 January – 9 February 2025. For more information, visit: www.peterandthestarcatcher.com.au for details.
Image: Lucy Goleby (supplied)