A quick chat with Rob Johnson, currently appearing in Spamalot at The Hayes

This week we caught up with Rob Johnson, who is just about to go into the last week of Spamalot at The Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney.

Rob is currently playing Prince Herbert (in Spamalot) and has most recently appeared in the very successful Australian tour of Calamity Jame, for which he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical Green Room Award.

What’s your name and what do you do?

My name is Rob Johnson; I’m an actor, singer, writer and comedian. Currently being a weirdo in Spamalot at the Hayes.

What’s your most underrated or unknown talent?

I play the tuba. Did all 8 Grades of AMEB examinations, in fact. So I was thrilled this “talent” got some exposure in Calamity Jane. The tuba life is largely thankless, you see.

What makes you laugh?

Unapologetic weirdness.

What are you reading?

I’ve just finished The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Who is your role model?

Essentially everyone I ever work with. There are a lot of very talented, wise and generous people in this industry.

What tools do you need to be creative?

Space and time.

What’s your happy place?

On the couch at home with a coffee and a book.

Which show (other than your own) you think people should drop everything and see?

Indie music theatre company Squabbalogic is currently developing two new musicals: Good Omens and The Dismissal. The former is doing a showing in Wollongong in May, the latter in Sydney in June.

Both have exceptional casts and creative teams and are going to be absolute rippers. On top of that, it is incredibly difficult to get a new musical off the ground, so your patronage could give these exciting projects further life.

What was the last piece of theatre/film/TV that really left an impression on you?

I Am Not Your Negro, a documentary by Raoul Peck about civil rights activist James Baldwin. It’s fabulous. Available on Stan.

There isn’t enough art about …

Impenetrable symbolism.

What three things can’t you live without?

Laughter, take-away sushi, and eight hours of sleep a night.

Go-to shower belting song?

All the screaming classics I’d never dare sing in public. Don’t Stop Me Now? Big time. Livin’ On A Prayer? You bet. Soul of A Man? Sure why not. (I actually did attempt to sing Soul of A Man for the Kinky Boots audition panel in 2015 and it remains a low point).

What’s the most used app on your phone?

TripView, Dictionary and Cricinfo.

What do you wish you had been told before starting in this industry?

That it’s hard to make a living as an actor. Why didn’t anyone tell me that many, many times?

What are you addicted to?

Is this an intervention?

What city do you live in and why?

I was born and raised in Sydney, and it has always been my home. It’s a happy coincidence that it’s also a very convenient professional hub in this country.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

As a more skilled, better read, slightly richer version of my current self. With the ability to grow facial hair.

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Monty Python’s Spamalot

Spamalot is currently playing at The Hayes Theatre in Sydney, until Saturday 13th of April.

The Saturday shows are already sold out, and other shows are filling fast, so get in quickly!

More information and all ticket details are available at: Hayestheatre.com.au