|
|
A Special Interview with Enda
Markey
AussieTheatre.com's Troy Dodds catches up with cabaret's Enda Markey....
 TD: My
first Enda Markey experience was hearing the ‘By Popular Demand’ album, which I
thought was stunning. I guess that is how many people in Australia first came to know you?
EM: The promotional tour for that CD was the first set of shows I did in Australia after
moving here. I got to appear on TV shows like
Denise and Good Morning Australia when I was promoting it, as well as countless radio
shows, so that was a good introduction to my singing. I
think I’ve done other shows since that have given me bigger recognition. One Night Stand (currently touring as a double
bill with Courtney Act called Boys Like One Night Stands) has given me a lot of
recognition and meant that I’ve had to do some awesome things the opening of Mardi
Gras at Hyde Park.
TD: I can also remember the first time I saw you live – Kabarett Junction in Bondi in
2002, on a very wet and very cold Sydney night. How far have you come since those debut Sydney
shows?
EM:
I’ve been really lucky to have done some amazing gigs since I’ve been here. I’ve toured to every city in Australia with my
shows. I’ve had the opportunity to perform with
some amazing people. I think success in Sydney and Melbourne means that promoters in other
states are more willing to take a risk on performers, which is great. On my last tour, I played Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide,
Perth, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin and Newcastle. It’s
a great way to see the country!
TD: You’ve done quite a lot in Melbourne and Sydney – what are your thoughts on
the two cities and who seems to adapt to cabaret better?
EM:
I love both cities. Melbourne was my home for the first three years I lived in Australia
and I have great memories of the place. There are more venues there that are suited to
cabaret, and a stronger support there for new cabaret acts, from venues and the like. Sydney
audiences are very different. Not better, or worse – just different. You
can take Sydney audiences further – and they heckle more, which I like!
TD: How difficult was it to come from Ireland and settle in Australia?
EM: I left Ireland not knowing what was ahead of me here. I’m
so pleased I did! Ireland is wonderful, but I’ve
had the opportunity to do so many amazing things, meet so many amazing people and do so
many gigs that I just would never have had the opportunity to do in Ireland. I’ve been in Australia for four years now, and have
not even been back to visit Ireland. I am going back
this year, though.
TD: What are your thoughts on theatre in Australia – do you manage to see much?
EM: The standard of theatre here is very high. There
are so few shows going on at once, that producers have their pick of the talent. I don’t get to see a great deal really. I’ve seen some fantastic things in fringe theatre
though, which I love.
TD: Who do you think are Australia’s best cabaret performers at the moment?
EM: Lucy Durack is fantastic. I also think
that Luke Barron is really good. We did Legends
together (with Peter Rutherford and Liston Williams), and I’ve seen him do other bits
and pieces around town. I love Shaun Rennie’s
voice too. I think Courtney Act
surprised a lot of people with her cabaret show this year too. People know Courtney for her performances on
Australian Idol, but she is also a gifted jazz singer – and a great comic talent.
TD: What’s next for Enda Markey?
EM: I am still touring Boys Like One Night Stands, then I am taking a break to
work on a new CD, which is out in September. I
am touring again in September and October – hopefully taking my new show to London
and Dublin. |
