On the Couch with Simon Hall

ACF Simon Hall Second Wedding SingerWho is Simon Hall?
Simon Hall is a child-like hobbit, wide-eyed with wonder and curiosity. And a preoccupied, middle-aged, bitter hater of things.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d be a bit less judgemental. When I was in my twenties I was disgusted with people who fought things like alcoholism, mental illness, insecurity. I think I’d be nicer to my friends who were going through stuff. Jeez I hope people in their twenties now don’t go around thinking like that.

Who inspires you and why?
Well, quite a few people, but at the moment I’m obsessed with Dan Harmon, creator of TV shows Rick and Morty and Community. He also does a podcast. He’s scarily honest about himself and makes big calls. He’s compassionate and merciless. And really funny.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If what? What conditions would have to exist for me to start trying to make a difference? Probably if I saw a direct threat to me and my family. And what would I do? The thing that was needed. Sorry that wasn’t very specific.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
My folks live in a house about an hour out of Melbourne. We spent a lot of our holidays there when I was little. When I go there I forget about all the stuff I have to do. I don’t change clothes for two or three days. In the winter I smell of smoke. I hope. My only concerns are getting more wood for the fire and the next meal.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, there are penguins in St Kilda. Most people make the annoying 1-and-a-half-hour trip to Phillip Island to see them and it’s all a big deal with huge tourist groups and rules that anticipate the behaviour of the stupidest and most selfish person in the world. In St Kilda you just turn up on a night and you might see a few. After that, well you’re still in St Kilda and have lots of options.

What are you currently reading?
My Struggle – Karl Ove Knausgård. This guy just wrote a super honest memoir. Apparently he alienated a lot of friends and family because of it. But we, those who don’t know him, get to enjoy the sweet relief of learning that other people have horrible and embarrassing thoughts.He says some interesting stuff about death and art.

What are you currently listening to?
Lots of podcasts. I recommend The Art Of The Score by (full disclosure) my friend Andrew Pogson. He and two others break down film scores.

Happiness is?
Well it’s living in the moment isn’t it? A good moment though, I think.

What does the future hold for you?
Just basing my self image more and more on the success of my children. And travel and eating nice food. And lots of good TV shows.

Presented as part of the 2017 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Simon will perform Second Wedding Singer with the Marion City Band: 21 – 22 June in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent. For more information, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au for details.

Image: Simon Hall – photo by Nicole Cleary