Who is Nick Fagan?
I’m a Dad, a theatremaker and the 2026-2028 Director-in-Residence for Holden Street Theatres Inc.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Everything and nothing at all. With hindsight there are plenty of things we’d all probably do differently, but changing any of it might mean the great things in my life right now wouldn’t exist in the same way. So, I try to take the wins, learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired constantly by art and the people who make it. Every time I watch a film or a play, listen to a song or read a book that makes me feel something inside, I am inspired to do the same. It’s always a lovely reminder of why I make theatre in the first place. I’m driven by the hope that the work I create might make someone else feel that same spark.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think all artists are making a difference in the world. The scale might not be as large as some endeavours, but I think even if it is only to your own community, our artistry is impacting lives positively and making a difference.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Malta. It’s my mother’s side of the family’s cultural background, so going there feels like a bit like stepping into both a relaxing holiday and a history lesson. I loved wandering the streets of Valletta at night when the limestone glows gold, swimming in the bluest ocean I’ve ever seen and stuffing my face with insanely good pastizzi.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Providing it’s the right time of year; I take them straight to the Adelaide Fringe. During Fringe time the whole city is a buzz and very much alive. It’s one of those festivals where you can meticulously plan everything you want to see or wander aimlessly and still stumble into something brilliant. There’s nothing quite like showing people Adelaide when it’s at its most electric and creative.
What are you currently reading?
I try to read a couple of plays each week, so I don’t often find a lot of time for other reading, but I am currently in the middle of The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe. I’m a big fan of filmmaker Brian De Palma and having recently watched his very poorly received adaptation (which isn’t his finest work) I became curious about the source material. The book was often labelled as the quintessential novel of the 1980’s and I’m enjoying it far more than I did the film.
What are you currently listening to?
My music taste is pretty eclectic. Whatever artist I’m obsessing over usually lines up with whatever’s happening for me at the time. In November, I finally fulfilled a dream I’ve had since I was twelve and saw Oasis live in concert, and ever since that night they’ve been on constant rotation. Somehow, I’m still not even close to being sick of it
Happiness is?
My little family. Watching my girls grow into incredible individuals, with their own personalities and passions, whilst still recognising bits of myself in them by the things they’re drawn to and what they aspire to creatively.
What does the future hold for you?
If you can find me a crystal ball, I’ll let you know but I am confident there will three years of making work that excites and scares me in equal measure, collaborating with brilliant humans, and seeing what unexpected doors open along the way.
For more information on Holden Street Theatres 2026 Season please visit: https://www.holdenstreettheatres.com
Nick is Holden Street Theatre’s Director-in-Residence for 2026-2028 – who has just revealed their 2026 program. For more information about Holden Street Theatre’s program, visit: www.holdenstreettheatres.com for details.
Image: Nick Fagan (supplied)