Who is Yannick Lawry?
Actor, voiceover and former ‘radio guy’. Originally from the UK but came to Sydney for a holiday in 2008 and never left… (though, rest assured, I am actually now legally a citizen!) I set up my production company Clock and Spiel Productions with my business partner, Hailey McQueen, in 2016 to stage and develop work that poses life’s big questions, and The Screwtape Letters Australian tour is our first exciting project.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
One thing about my past I’d change is that I chose never to study history and only now I’m older do I realise how important the truth of the past is in making sense of the present! If you’re asking what I’d do if I wasn’t an actor/voiceover; I’d probably follow in the family profession and teach… though I’d probably have to actually learn something worth teaching first!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m always hugely intrigued by people who have the courage to call out corruption and have the confidence to stand by their convictions. Politics and the various competing narratives of their motivations aside, the Assange’s and Snowden’s of this world are incredibly fascinating characters.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Big question. I’d like to think that some of the work we’re hoping to stage through Clock and Spiel Productions will open up discussions amongst audiences to consider other world views and see people in a positively different light. But before I get way ahead of myself, I think if I can follow the principles of my own faith and genuinely put others before myself; that’s something I can be daily working on in my superbly small sphere of influence.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Iceland. The most mysterious and majestic landscape I’ve ever experienced. I last visited in 2005 and, due to budget restraints, camped with a friend in a national park just outside Reykjavik. It was June and the sun didn’t set at all for the 8 days we were there! When driving along the south coast of the island to climb Skaftafell (Iceland’s highest peak) the landscape changed every few miles from other-worldly lava fields, to luscious green lawns with impressive waterfalls visible through forests of pine trees and then back to bare rock and scree. All of that – plus the partying stamina of Icelanders – made it a total break from any reality I’d ever known up to that point!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If they’ve never been to Australia it’s brunch in Bronte, a hike up the Harbour Bridge pylon and an opera at The Opera House followed by drinks at The Beresford. I think you could market that as the ultimate Sydney one-day experience!
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just finished the epic Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Thoroughly recommended and an incredible insight into gender identity and experience.
What are you currently listening to?
Modern Love by Kids of 88 – I love joyful electro-pop!
Happiness is?
Knowing the truth, and the truth setting you free.
What does the future hold for you?
The immediate future holds a truck load of work and effort to help The Screwtape Letters realise its full potential! Beyond that, God willing, a good rest; a short documentary through Clock and Spiel Productions on the plight of the humble Gideon Bible, and a trip back to the UK to celebrate the 40th birthday I’d probably rather forget!
Yannick is currently starring in The Screwtape Letters at the Seymour Centre until 10 December 2016, before touring to Melbourne and Canberra. For more information, visit: www.screwtapeshow.com.au for details.
Image: Yannick Lawry