It was a show that could very well not have been performed in Brisbane, with Shrek the Musical’s Australian tour cut short due to the first wave of COVID-19 hitting our shores. But with Queensland managing to weather the pandemic better than others, and some intervention on the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s part to serve as its regional presenter; Shrek, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad, the fairy tale creatures and, of course, Donkey, were able to make the journey up to Brisbane as the show recommencing major musical theatre in the state.
But not only did QPAC manage to bring the show to Brisbane, but they also retained a majority of the original Australian cast. This includes Ben Mingay as Shrek, Lucy Durack as Princess Fiona, Todd McKenney as Lord Farquaad and Nat Jobe as Donkey. With Jobe portraying arguably one of my favourite characters from any animated film growing up, I was able to take some time out of his schedule (presumably making waffles) to ask a few questions.
You can read the full interview below:
You have been able to hold a few performances at QPAC now. What has it been like taking on the role of Donkey once again, and how have you found Brisbane audiences so far?
It has been so much fun to come back to the role of Donkey. He is the most fun and exciting role I have ever played and after a very strange and somewhat scary 2020, it’s so nice to revisit a role who is pure joy.
Brisbane audiences have been INCREDIBLE! We are so lucky to be playing this glorious city to such amazing crowds. The cast and crew are having the time of our lives up here!
COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on the performing arts industry during 2020. How did you keep yourself busy during the months the shows could not go on?
It was definitely a very tricky time for the arts industry, as it was for the majority of industries, I suppose. Luckily, I’ve found that artists can really thrive under difficult circumstances. We tend to band together and the creative juices can flow even more. I was lucky enough to have some beautiful time at home with my family.
Usually, I spend so much of my time touring, so I really relished an extended period of time with my family. I also took the time to start writing a children’s tv series that I have been wanting to create for years. I can’t say much more about it yet, but hopefully you’ll be seeing more of that in 2021.
What was the first time you were exposed to the Shrek film franchise, and do you have a particular favourite film in the series or scene from them?
I first saw Shrek at the cinemas when the original film was released. I remember being blown away by it. It was really ground-breaking in the animation world as it was one of the first animated films to really start playing to adult audiences just as much as the kids. It started a trend of this style that has now really taken over the animated world.
I absolutely love the first film the most because it’s just such a classic and soooo funny, but I must say, I think my favourite character out of all the films is Jennifer Saunder’s Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2. Her singing Holding Out For A Hero into a magic wand microphone was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life!!!
Hypothetically, say you were given the chance to perform as any other character in Shrek the Musical for one night only, which role would you choose?
Lord Farquaad. Hands down. I don’t even need to give it a second thought. I love that role so much and love what the brilliant Todd McKenney does with it. He has me in hysterics every show!!! Yep, I’d definitely trade in the hooves for a night as that hilarious, short-statured villain!
Has there been any particular highlights of your touring with Shrek the Musical so far?
I think playing Brisbane has been an absolute highlight. After the show having to shutdown in Melbourne due to Covid, we really didn’t think it would be able to come back. So it’s been an incredible gift to be able to be back on stage. There is such a feeling of joy amongst the whole company because we really appreciate how lucky we are to be doing what we love right now. It’s honestly very special.
Oh also, I get to sing on top of a wedding cake with Marcia Hines at the end of every show. I am constantly pinching myself. I mean, MARCIA HINES!!! Absolute career highlight!
What advice do you have for those looking to make it in the performing arts industry?
It sounds so cliched and I almost hate myself for saying it, but just believe in yourself and chase those dreams. Yes, it’s a tough industry but it’s also an incredible industry, full of fun, wonderful people. It’s important to hold onto your self-worth and to know that every person has a place in the arts industry. Do what inspires you. See theatre, see films, go to class, write, sing, dance, backflip (if you can safely). Whatever path inspires creativity and joy within you is the path to take! And just have fun, y’all!!!
Thank you very much to both Nat Jobe for spending some of his time answering my questions, in addition to QPAC Publicity Manager Cindy Ullrich for arranging this interview.
Shrek the Musical will be running at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre from now until 14 February 2021. Tickets are still available, with best availability during evening performance. For more information and to book tickets, click HERE or phone the QTIX Box Office during office hours on 136 246.
Expect to read more in the ‘A Conversation With…’ series over the coming weeks and months, with this joining Take That (In-Game) Snap as one of our feature series going forward. For a historical archive of The Otaku’s Study’s previous interviews, click HERE.
