Who is Olivia McLeod?
An overenthusiastic laugher who gets shy when speaking in front of a big group of people, unless she’s written a script. I’m also pretending to be a producer for my upcoming Comedy Festival show, PASH.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d be a vet, or an Auslan interpreter, but unfortunately I have the skills for neither.
Who inspires you and why?
Performers that write their own work when the audition pool runs dry. This applies to actors I know personally and runs all the way to the big leagues. I’ll also watch anything written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Hannah Gadsby or Mae Martin.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Learn how to fix my stuff when it breaks and stop buying new things. Teach consensual relationships to teenagers. Work with teenagers in general, because they’re the best. Write the lesbian, popcorn-fiction young adult novel I wish I’d read when I was younger.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
A beach house in Venus Bay owned by my lifelong friends. I like anywhere where I can make cocktails and read and not be disturbed for hours.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Good Times in North Fitzroy. It’s the best date spot, the best catching-up spot, the best spot for $9 pasta, wine carafes, and negronis. You get what you pay for in quality, but the atmosphere is lovely and you can watch Northside fashionistas out-Northside each other.
What are you currently reading?
The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed By Jack The Ripper by Hallie Rubehold. It’s somehow both feminist literature and true crime, which is a perfect combination.
What are you currently listening to?
Still Into You by Paramore. For some reason I need to listen to it at least once a day. Somebody please stop me.
Happiness is?
All my best friends talking over the top of each other around a dinner table.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully a lot of time in London, a writing program or two, lots more loud dinners, and I really want to get my scuba diving license.
Olivia has created and performs in PASH – which will be presented at The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton, as part of the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival: 29 March – 3 April. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Olivia McLeod (supplied)