10 mins with… Tony Sheldon

Writer, director and performer – you might remember Tony Sheldon best for his show-stealing turn as “Hollywood’s worst director” in the smash-hit musical The Producers, but his CV reads like a history of Australian theatre. And he’s still as excited as ever about going to work every day, especially in his current role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - The Musical, where he gets to sing, dance and dress up. We talked to him in between performances as outrageous drag queen Bernadette.

You were Tourism New South Wales’ arts and culture ambassador for the ‘Autumn in Sydney’ campaign. Why were you chosen for that gig?
I suspect it was because I’m currently appearing in the hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert! Those sorts of jobs rarely come around when you’re unemployed, unshaven and eating pizza in front of the TV.

Did you find out anything new and interesting about Sydney during your “term in office”?
Promoting our theatres, restaurants, scenic walks and beaches only reaffirmed how much I love living in Sydney.

Tell us about playing such a well-known role as Bernadette. What do you admire about her?
My take on Bernadette is very different from Terence Stamp’s in the movie. I think she’s very courageous, loyal, funny, warm, playful: an all-round beautiful person. She also has a spectacular wardrobe!

Musicals have such long runs – Priscilla’s been going for over six months now – how do you keep it fresh every performance?
I never think ahead. I try to experience the story along with the audience as if it were the first time. No two performances are ever the same.

What’s your favourite song from the musical?
“Boogie Wonderland”. I’m a little embarrassed to confess I’d never heard it before.

What’s your view of the state of Australian musicals these days?
Pretty much non-existent, as always. We have no tradition of supporting songwriters for the theatre, so we’ll never produce our own Richard Rodgers, Gershwin or Cole Porter. There are some very interesting shows that have been in development for years, but it’s unlikely we’ll see them because producers don’t consider them “commercial”. But we’ve always been expert at recreating musicals from overseas.

As well as performing, you’ve directed and written for the stage. What do you enjoy most?
Directing talented performers is endlessly inspiring and invigorating. Writing is lonely and painful and slow.

Is there a body of work you’re especially proud of?
I started out doing straight drama, and it’s still my first love. I’ve done some wonderful plays over the years by Australian writers such as Nick Enright, Peter Kenna, Louis Nowra and Stephen Sewell.

How has the musical talent in your family, like your mum Toni Lamond, affected your career?
I doubt that I’d have had a career in show business if it weren’t for my family! I’m a third-generation performer, so it’s the family business; I never knew any other life.

What will we catch you doing next?
I wrote and directed my mother’s one-woman show The Times of My Life, which will be touring the country into 2008. And you’ll find me in Priscilla as long as they’ll have me!

For flights to Sydney, visit www.jetstar.com