QPAC

Five Minutes with ... Robert Grubb

Acclaimed actor Robert Grubb played the dual roles of Admiral Boom and Chairman of the Bank in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's ‘practically perfect’ production of MARY POPPINS that played at QPAC in 2022.

We sat down with Robert to chat about all things life and theatre.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be like Errol Flynn, who grew up in Hobart. I wasn’t the only Tasmanian boy to think this, but I did something sensible like become an electrician. Ten years later though, I was in the National Drama School Acting course.

What advice do you give anyone wanting a career in performing arts?
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, keep trying things, and be prepared for some hard work, heartbreak, but also some moments with an unforgettable sense of joy and accomplishment. Use your rehearsals to find out what doesn’t work as much as what does. Finding out where it ‘isn’t’ is just as important as finding out where it ‘is’. Good luck.

Describe yourself in five words.
Friendly, inquisitive, happy, consistent, enduring.

What’s the last book you read?
I recently took up A Christmas Carol for a quick read through. 

Who or what inspires you? 
My parents inspire me of course, but also being the guy who ‘turns up’. Some parts you get can be a privilege to play. Remember that. Turn up. Do the job. 

What’s the most useful thing your parents taught you?
To see the other person’s side of things. And to listen, but maybe with that one I find I might tell too many stories.

What’s your earliest / favourite childhood memory?
Every second year my 'great uncle' would come over from Perth for Christmas. He looked like Santa Claus with a big white beard. He was the closest I had to a grandfather, as mine had passed before I was born. We kids loved him, and he’d take us fishing. One year I caught a barracuda. It was bigger than me.

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