What do you do?
I direct or act in theatre shows and play guitar in local band Kempsey
When did you get into it?
I got into theatre way back in college as I did with playing music. So since around 2001-2002. Ughh, I’m old…
Who or what influences you as an artist?
Musically, Ryan Adams. Good theatre influences me in drama. Whenever I see a really amazing production, no matter if its pro, pro-am or amateur, and whatever genre, I get really moved and excited about theatre as an art form and what it can achieve. And Federico Garcia Lorca.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
I once stood at a urinal in between Mark Taylor and Eddie McGuire - does it get any better than that? I was really proud of my Theatre Honours Production last year. I felt myself, the cast, and techs all created the vision that I had.
What are your plans for the future?
Kempsey are about to go into a studio in Melb to record some new tracks. Exciting times! Also, I’m currently working on my PhD in Drama, so that should eat up…well…at least the next three years of my life.
What makes you laugh?
The Office (I love you Ricky Gervais), Absurdist humour, nudity and toilet jokes, my girlfriend, and, I know I’m going to regret telling him this, but Flynn Wheeler.
What pisses you off?
How much room do I have? And in what context? I suppose wasted talent (not in the David Brent scenario). Seriously, I am surrounded by so many talented people in many aspects of my life, and it pisses me off that they’re not getting what they deserve. That and flared jeans… I don’t understand why jeans companies are still making them.
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
In the theatre, there are so many talents around. There are heaps of young writers, actors and directors who are going to have long, prosperous careers.
What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions?
Coming up, I’m directing After The Fact, a season of three short comedies written by David Travers for the National University Theatre Society. May 27-29, 8pm at the ANU Arts Centre. If you fancy male nudity, immature humour, absurdist remarks about creative authorship and religion, and theatre jokes, then the show is for you! Kempsey are playing on June 16 at Gangbusters as part of our Good Times Tour with two other awesome bands, The Retreat and Jonesez.
Contact info: andrew.holmes23@gmail.com, check out the band at myspace.com/kempseymusic
