Lisa Adam, Performer, Amy Housewine: Back to Crack
Success is true happiness, that comes from within ...
When first meeting Perth’s Lisa Adam, it’s hard to imagine the bubbly and fresh-faced talent stamping across the stage in towering heels, limbs drowning in tattoos and black beehive soaring. Yet as the curtain opens and the music kicks off at Brisbane Powerhouse tonight, it won’t be Lisa greeting the audience but her charismatic, no-holds-barred character, Amy Housewine. As a self-confessed ‘massive fan’ of late British pop star Amy Winehouse, Lisa has woven tracks like ‘Rehab’ and ‘I Love to Have a Beer with Amy’ into her captivating cabaret, Amy Housewine: Back to Crack. While past gigs have seen the actress and singer’s name on the credits for The Great Gatsby, Jersey Boys and Rocky Horror Picture Show, this current role takes her acting to the extreme as she morphs into the troubled, addiction-plagued songstress. Ahead of two Brisbane shows on Thursday December 5 and Saturday December 7, The Weekend Edition caught up with Lisa to talk live music, inspirations … and wetting her pants in public.
Describe yourself in ten words …
In pretty good condition for the mileage. Reliable with grunt.
What first attracted you to the story of Amy Winehouse?
Her music was the first thing that caught my attention … and that voice.
How do you mentally and physically prepare to take on the character?
Research, research and then more research!
What can Brisbane audiences expect from your upcoming show, Amy Housewine: Back to Crack?
I hope Brisbane Powerhouse audiences will be moved by the poignancy of the show, as well as laugh so hard they wish they wore Depends.
You’ve been involved in an impressive list of musicals and movies, which has been your most exciting experience to date?
The most exciting experience of my life thus far was working with Baz Luhrmann in The Great Gatsby. I have an extremely minor role – if you blink you’ll miss it! – but I was in the room with Baz for several hours and it was the most thrilling experience I’ve had to date.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?
Laughing so hard side stage that I actually wet my pants. Then having to go straight on to do a musical number, all the time wondering if the audience could see any evidence of my indiscretion!
Who would you most like to share the stage with?
My dad. He never had the opportunity to do professional theatre, but my dad is a born entertainer with a natural tenor voice and keen instincts. We performed together only once, in an amateur production of The Sound Of Music when I was 14. I would dearly love to do another show with him. He’s definitely where I get my talent from.
Which other homegrown acting talents do have your eye on?
I know it sounds cliched, but I admire Cate Blanchett greatly. I think she’s heaven.
What’s next for you, in terms of career?
Whatever life throws me – that’s the nature of this business!
What was your childhood dream?
To be a professional actress. Oh, and marry Michael J. Fox …
What is success to you?
Happiness. True happiness, that comes from within.
What are your words of wisdom?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. If everyone lived by that doctrine, the world would be a different place.
How do you like to start your weekend?
By waking up. I always find that’s a great start to the day.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Being an actor I’m usually working on weekends, with two shows each Saturday and Sunday. So I guess my weekend essentials are coffee, a vocal warm-up and bringing my dinner to the theatre!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Ordering Thai takeaway and sitting on the couch with my fiance watching TV – I know, boring!
What are you reading at the moment?
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. Yes, I’m very behind the times.
The last time something took your breath away was … when my fiance proposed to me.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … The beach.
Relax … My house.
Dine … Friends Restaurant, Perth.
Indulge … Margaret River, Western Australia.
Shop … Harbour Town, Perth – I love a bargain!
Catch-up … Any cafe in Subiaco, WA.
Be inspired … At the theatre.
