Tom Sharah, Cabaret performer, It's Raining Me
As one door closes, another opens ...
No doubt you’ve spied his mug on morning TV and he probably even serenaded you during a recent spell as a reality talent show contestant, but now Brisbane audiences can experience the Tom Sharah show live in person. The Brisbane Powerhouse stage will become the platform for Tom’s outrageously entertaining antics when he kicks off his cabaret, It’s Raining Me, next month. Packed with shoulder-shifting, finger-clicking pop and disco tunes, the biographical production will take you on a journey through Tom’s past and leave you lurching off your seat. Ahead of a string of shows running from Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 7, The Weekend Edition caught up with the self-confessed ‘show pony’ to chat individuality, personal satisfaction and pant-splitting cartwheels.
Describe yourself in ten words …
A singing show pony who likes to make people laugh.
What can Brisbane audiences expect from It’s Raining Me?
Hopefully a night of non-stop laughs, great storytelling and awesome music. I’m very self-deprecating and am always the first to poke fun at myself – this show is an amazing platform for that. Plus I sing a diverse range of music with a sensational three-piece band.
What do you love about performing?
Performing is my drug. It’s where I’m able to express myself and share my experiences and embrace my individuality. Once those lights hit me, I’m a slave to my audience. Applause is great, but there is nothing quite like earned laughter.
Can you remember the first time you performed for an audience?
Probably at a dance concert or eisteddfod when I was about four years old. I’m sure I was wearing something utterly revolting and grinning from ear to ear.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?
Cartwheeling on stage at a school assembly and splitting my school shorts right down the middle was not one of my highlights …
If you weren’t a performer, what would you be doing?
I’d love to be a casting director. It would be nice to be on that side of the panel for once, and I think I’d be pretty good at putting those jigsaw puzzles together.
What was it like growing up in a showbiz family?
I was very lucky to have so much access to the theatre, and so much knowledge to sponge up about the arts. I’ve lived and breathed it since I can remember.
The last time something took your breath away was …
Watching the media launch performance for the upcoming Australian production of Les Misérables online. Incredible music sung by an extraordinarily talented group of local talents, a lot of whom are my friends. I can’t wait to see it on stage.
What’s next for you in terms of career?
After It’s Raining Me in Brisbane, I would love to do more acting. Next year, I’ll do another cabaret show and tour it around the country. Plus I’m now in the early stages of writing a one-man play. I have a weekly spot on Channel 9’s Mornings, and I look forward to keeping that as my regular bread-and-butter gig. It’s a lot of fun.
What influences and inspires your work?
Individuality. I’ve never been able to – or wanted to – fit a box. When I see performers like iOTA or Paul Capsis on stage, I remember that it’s a gift to be one of a kind. I try to focus on always bringing to the table the traits and attributes that only I can. Also, nothing gets the juices flowing like a good song. Music will always be my biggest influence.
How do you like to start your weekend?
If I can do the Bondi to Bronte costal walk and then reward myself with eggs and coffee in the sun with a great friend, my day and weekend is made.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Friends, music, coffee, good food, sun and beer.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Go to my folks’ place for a roast. My mum is English so she takes it pretty seriously and my dad is Lebanese, so the man knows how to cook.
What are you reading at the moment?
I recently read Tina Fey’s Bossypants, which I thought was utter genius.
You boast an incredibly impressive resume – what do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?
Winning the Australian Cabaret Showcase was a thrilling surprise at a time when I was pretty green and directionless. Doing the TV show I Will Survive was the most incredible experience I’ve had to date. I grew and learnt more on that gig than I ever could have imagined.
What does success mean to you?
Respect from my peers and my audiences. Personal satisfaction – which is rare as performers are always their own harshest critics. Bums on seats is always nice too.
What are your words of wisdom?
Always believe in the idea that as one door closes, another opens. It’s a cliche, but I’ve found that everything usually happens for a reason. Also, remember that no one is irreplaceable. There is always someone around the corner waiting to take your place, so treat your jobs and your peers with respect.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Going for a swim at Camp Cove Beach in Watsons Bay, Sydney.
Relax … On the grass hill at North Bondi.
Dine … Erciyes Restaurant in Surry Hills is hearty and delicious Turkish food. And they have belly dancers on hand to entertain the diners.
Indulge … Drinking wine and eating sausage rolls at The Winery in Surry Hills is a fave.
Shop … I’m not much of a shopper, but I’m a sucker for a good weekend market. Glebe Markets is always good.
Catch-up … Down at Rushcutters Bay Park.
Be inspired … At the theatre. Always.