Thomas Larkin, co-producer and performer, Sex With Strangers
Listen – not to reply, but to understand ...
Time is often the greatest teacher, giving context to the events of the past and insight into our personal histories. No matter how small and seemingly insignificant, even the most fleeting of experiences can play a crucial role in our own narratives. So it was for Thomas Larkin’s supporting role as a hay bale in his formative acting years. It was his early appearances in nativity plays, followed up by encouraging drama teachers at secondary school, that nudged the Brisbane boy on to a successful career in theatre. Having performed in a number of productions with La Boite and Queensland Theatre Company, Thomas is now about to step on to the stage in one of his most challenging roles yet. As co-producer and one of only two performers in upcoming show Sex With Strangers, Thomas invites his audience to explore themes of ambition, love, lust and the digital revolution. Before the production opens at Brisbane Powerhouse tonight, Thursday July 17, The Weekend Edition caught Thomas between rehearsals to talk adrenalin, acting and online personas.
Sex With Strangers will launch at Brisbane Powerhouse this month, what can audiences expect?
I think it’s more about what they won’t expect! The title is quite racy and while there is a degree of this in the show, it will appeal to the audience on so many more levels, as it’s ultimately a story about the challenges we face when trying to connect with another human being on the most vulnerable of levels, love.
It sounds to be dripping with lust, but at the core, is this a love story?
There are certainly aspects of lust and total evidence of the power of physical chemistry in the show, but it’s also about how two people with opposing life views attempt to reconcile these in the name of love.
What drew you to the character of Ethan?
Ethan is a no-holds-barred, self-promoting, self-made celebrity and successful blogger. The fact that he’s built his wealth in the name of questionable pursuits gives him a sleazy, arrogant edge, but it’s the very human sensitivity and desire to be loved and wanted – even needed, on a more emotional level – that appealed to me. His layers make him both challenging and an absolute blast to play.
How X-rated do things get – should we leave our nannas at home?
Bring your nanna! The gulf that exists between those who embrace technology and those who almost fear this is something that our elderly community members will understand better than any of us, as they have lived through more generations and witnessed more changes than we have … Having said that, many of my older friends, colleagues and relatives could easily school me in the technological revolution and all it has to offer!
The play explores the idea of a fabricated online persona; have you ever been guilty of this in your personal life?
I’m actually quite unlike Ethan in that technology doesn’t play a huge role in my life, so that’s a no. I’m torn between embracing social media more and feeling that there’s a danger in becoming too connected or attached to this method of communicating and interacting.
You’ve performed both on stage and on the screen; which do you find more comfortable?
I’m really eager to explore the film and television world more, but there’s definitely something very raw and exposing that comes from performing to a live audience that excites me, as it demands you to be completely in the moment.
For the introverts of Brisbane who shudder at the thought of a spotlight, how can you best explain that ripple of adrenalin you feel when you step on to the stage?
I’m sure everyone experiences this in some way in their chosen field or area of interest. For me, it’s the combination of something you and a team of creatives have worked incredibly hard towards being realised and the presence of an at times understandably unapologetic, unforgiving audience who have given up their precious time and money to be there … You want to not only make it worth their while, but to have them walk away with an increased interest in the very thing that lies at the centre of your world. If you can convert one audience member each show into becoming a regular theatre goer – mission accomplished!
How did you first get involved in acting; were you drawn to it from a young age?
I really fell for drama during my high school years at St Joseph’s College. I had a wonderful teacher and this really gave me an appreciation of the role quality teachers can play in shaping futures and offering pathways to young people. I then went on to commence a university degree in a different arena before travelling abroad for a while … these experiences culminated in me deciding to give it a crack and commencing an acting course at Southbank Institute of Technology before I ventured to Melbourne to complete a Fine Arts (Acting) degree at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA).
Can you remember the first time you performed for an audience? (Yes, awkward family concerts count!)
I have a long history of starring in nativity plays, having worked my way up from a hay bale to a donkey, to a wise man and eventually baby Jesus. It gave me a real appreciation of the slow ascent to the top in the theatre.
What do you consider to be your career highlight so far?
I guess I feel very lucky to have had career highlights as someone still relatively young in their field, but playing leading Shakespearean men like Romeo and Orlando for two of Queensland’s best theatre companies is definitely up there. Having said that, my involvement in this show as co-producer and as one of only two performers on-stage has meant an increased attachment to this project and the show and, as such, a significant level of pride in the product we have created.
What does complete happiness mean to you?
The very word ‘complete’ to me indicates that it’s an end point rather than a journey, but I think it’s about finding people, experiences and moments along the way and drawing contentment from them.
What annoys you?
Parking infringements. The Brisbane City Council is apparently my chosen charity!
What are your essentials for the perfect weekend?
Quality coffee and food, engaging company and conversation, and the option of jumping in the car and escaping, staying comfortably at home or venturing out to explore this city.
What’s the best advice your mum ever gave you?
Manners were highly valued in my household when growing up. As such, I’m a bit old fashioned in that I like to pick up the phone and have a chat rather than simply texting (unlike my character Ethan!). I still believe in chivalry and respect, which sadly seem to be dying values.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt as you’ve become an adult?
The older I get, the more I realise how little I actually know!
What’s your personal definition of success?
Wanting something and actively putting into place a plan to achieve this and staying focused when the inevitable obstacles confront you. Achieving it anyway and experiencing the accompanying intrinsic satisfaction make it all worthwhile.
What are your words of wisdom?
Something I’ve been told by at least two people I value highly is to listen – not to reply, but to understand. Therein lies the heart of successful communication.
Only a Brisbane local would know … we frequently refer to our city as just one, big, country town. The phrase ‘well, it IS Brisbane’ is commonplace among natives.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … with a coffee at Bellissimo Coffee, Fortitude Valley.
Relax … I actually often relax through exercise and I feel incredibly lucky to live in a city where I can run by the river. The view from Teneriffe over to Hawthorne is a particularly comforting and energising one.
Indulge … in quality tastes, be it sweet or savoury … Noosa Chocolate Factory on Adelaide Street in Brisbane City and Mario At The Dining Room in Hendra are favourites.
Catch up … over a drink at The Twig & Berry in Newstead.
Be inspired … by the vibrant arts scene in Brisbane. There is so much talent here. Venues like Brisbane Powerhouse and the Gallery of Modern Art are real icons in this city, which we should value and frequent more.