On the Couch with Lucy Maunder

Lucy Maunder Arts Review On the CouchWho is Lucy Maunder?
I am a Melbourne based Actor, born in Sydney spent my childhood in London, moved back to Sydney when I was 15 and last year bought a property in Melbourne. Love all aspects of the arts, love to travel, love beautiful food and wine and the finer things in life! This career choice isn’t always conducive to that lifestyle, but I’d rather spend my money on living well than not!

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d love to open a restaurant I am extremely passionate about good food. Still on the life bucket list – I haven’t let that goal go.

Who inspires you and why?
My parents inspire me – they are two incredible human beings who have given me the most wonderful life. My friends and colleagues inspire me on a daily basis too – I am surrounded by extraordinary humans doing extraordinary things.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think as performers we’re very aware that our profiles in life, on social media etc can make a difference, people watch us closely – I always want to be a good role model for younger performers or anyone that gets any joy from our work. Hopefully when we speak out about some very important issues people will listen.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Vietnam! Incredible country. Breathtakingly beautiful in places, amazing food, gorgeous people, and relatively untouched by Western tourism as yet.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
So many places in Melbourne I actually have a list of my favourite places that I give to anyone who doesn’t live here. Milk The Cow is on the top of the list… who wouldn’t want to go to a bar that only serves cheese?

What are you currently reading?
I’ve been too busy with house renovations to spend the time I’d like to read, but I’m nearly finished the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and I’m loving it.

What are you currently listening to?
Classical FM is the station the car I most listen to which is where I spend most of my time at the moment. It calms my brain down. My music collection is incredibly eclectic though and I listen to something different every day.

Happiness is?
Doing what you love surrounded by the people that you love which I am very lucky to be able to do. Also, mastering the cryptic crossword with the newspaper and a coffee on a Saturday morning.

What does the future hold for you?
Past September, I wouldn’t have a clue and that’s the nature of our business. But this year has been wonderful so far and I’m hoping it will continue. You have to sit back and be calm and understand that the right thing will happen.

Following critically acclaimed seasons in Sydney and Brisbane, Lucy will be appearing in Heathers: The Musical at Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 May 2016. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.

Image: Lucy Maunder – photo courtesy of Mollison Keightley Management