Who is Lucy Maunder?
Mum, Actor, singer, sometimes dancer, cheese lover, mushroom hater.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I am a huge foodie. I would definitely move into a career in the food industry. I used to work at Simon Johnson gourmet food Providore and I loved it. I’d love to open a cheese and wine bar in the West of Melbourne where we live. My partner owns a very successful cafe in Melbourne so it’s something we’ve spoken about pursuing as another project at some point.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents inspire me and have inspired me my whole life – I was so incredibly lucky with the upbringing I had, I grew up with them both working in the opera, I spent the first few years of my life in my mum’s dressing room when she was performing. My daughter Edie inspires me – children are so unaffected, and see the world through such refreshingly innocent eyes. She’ll stop and look at every flower she sees, she’s not restricted by time, she never rushes. It’s a beautiful thing to watch and I try to take a leaf out of her book.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I really want to make sure I focus and work with the youth of today, including raising my daughter to be filled with gratitude, kindness, equality, acceptance and values. In this age of social media it’s terribly scary to see where we could be in 15 years time.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tokyo. We went 2 years ago and it was my favourite ever holiday. Japan is a remarkable country. The food, the culture. Tokyo is crazy and grungy, gritty and vibrant. There’s so much history and so much pop.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to and why?
When friends come to Sydney I’d always take them down to Opera Bar for lunch, or a sunset. The view of Sydney Harbour and the Bridge and the Opera House sum up Sydney perfectly. It’s a breathtaking view and it never gets old, even if you’ve lived in Sydney your whole life.
What are you currently reading?
Stephen Fry’s Autobiography, The Fry Chronicles.
What are you currently listening to?
Anything by Allen Stone. I’m also currently listening to music of Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin every night, and I’m thrilled about it. It’s such an incredible score, and our orchestra sound spectacular.
Happiness is…
Making fresh pasta from scratch at home with my family with a glass of red wine.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m not sure! If someone had told me I’d be back on stage in Sydney in 2020, I wouldn’t have believed them for a second. This year has delivered so many surprises and has been such an emotional rollercoaster. The arts has been decimated and we had no idea when it would return. I’m just so grateful to be working, and hope to continue to.
Lucy stars as Catherine in the Australian production of PIPPIN – which is currently playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. For more information, visit: www.pippinthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Lucy Maunder (supplied)