Who is Stephen Barlow?
A Melbourne born, London based teller of musical stories. I am not married to Joanna Lumley!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Continued with my piano and French lessons. Otherwise, je ne regrette rien.
Who inspires you and why?
David Hockney. A lifelong dedication to colour and light and finding joy in his surroundings wherever he may be.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Abolish social media! Contrary to its initial lofty intentions it fosters self-absorption and division.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
A remote corner of Provence, France. The perfect mélange of weather, landscape, food and wine. And it feels a little bit like Oz without the snakes and spiders!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
In Melbourne, Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar unchanged since the mid 1950s. In London, the Ivy Club for peace and perfect cocktails in the middle of the crowded West End. I avoid tourist attractions as much as possible because they rarely reveal the truth of the place.
What are you currently reading?
The Chairman’s Lounge by Joe Aston. A gripping, Aussie ‘fall from grace’ true story.
What are you currently listening to?
My heart, always. And loads of Keith Jarrett – especially the Köln, Paris and Vienna piano concerts.
Happiness is?
Drying off in the sun after a dip in an ideally empty swimming pool. I am a little bit obsessed with swimming pools and travel the world to try particular ones. The Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton in Sydney is an old favourite and the Raleigh in Miami Beach is very special.
What does the future hold for you?
More of the same I hope, plus directing my first West End musical!
Stephen is the Director of State Opera South Australia’s production of Jonathan Dove and April de Angelis’s Flight – currently playing at Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre until 10 May 2025. For more information, visit: www.stateopera.com.au for details.
Image: Stephen Barlow (supplied)