Who is Michael Whalley?
A wizard on and off stage. From Christchurch. Not THE Christchurch Wizard – look him up…
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would travel around the world!
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone who creates and invents using their own ideas and instincts, and proceeds to build the invention. The Art, Science and Construction of ideas in any field. Genesis into action, following curiosities – so much fun to watch unfold.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
The gap between the haves and the have nots, whether it be power, money, resources, culture, respect – is the biggest and most baffling gap in our world. I would like to use my powers to help mend that however I can.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Japan. So many different worlds within one amazing country. The ancient meets the future. Delicious food, incredible hospitality, onsen, robot restaurants, bidets that change temperature… the list goes on.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Puffing Billy – that’s a big day out. With a bakery crawl on the way there and back.
What are you currently reading?
Rusty Young’s Colombiano – A blockbuster revenge thriller and coming of age heartbreaker about post-Escobar Columbia.
What are you currently listening to?
Audible: Barrack Obama’s A Promised Land; Podcast – The Property Couch; and Spotify – Manali Datar’s new banger Signs.
Happiness is?
Watching my Dog, Rabbit, chase the bubbles she makes in the ocean shallows. The purest joy in the repetition of creation then destruction.
What does the future hold for you?
Sharing stories and characters created by myself and others, on stage and screen, around the world, whilst reuniting with friends and family that I’ve been separated from across the globe. Soon, everyone.
Michael stars as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which recommences at the Princess Theatre from 25 February 2021. For more information, visit: www.harrypottertheplay.com for details.
Image: Michael Whalley (supplied)