Michael Griffiths’ Best Life
Cabaret sensation Michael Griffiths is back in Adelaide for The Rep’s production of comedy classic The Man Who Came to Dinner, where he will share the stage with a star-studded cast.
Tell us a bit about yourself in a nutshell?
I’m singer, pianist, musical director and vocal coach. I trained in musical theatre in WA in the 90s, lived in Sydney and worked in big touring musicals in the 2000s and am now back in Adelaide where I’ve been closely connected with Fringe and Cabaret Festival for over a decade, as well as freelancing as a performer and teacher.
What are you currently working on?
I’m vocal coaching The Addams Family musical for Prince Alfred College, doing a couple of winter cabaret festivals in New Zealand this month and when I return, I open The Man Who Came to Dinner for Adelaide Rep Theatre with Peter Goers that has been a whole lot of fun to rehearse. It’s an old-world farce and deliciously camp and funny. It’s a terrific role where I get to chew the scenery and I’m really excited for the whole season.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
At the risk of sounding like a killjoy, since turning 50 I am obsessed with strength training, parkrun, whole foods and quality sleep. So a perfect day absolutely needs all of those as well as some quiet downtime with my partner and friends. A perfect day is when there are no plans.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
I had a rough time in my late 30s with my mental health. I was in Melbourne touring with Jersey Boys and having a particularly bad day and rang my partner in tears. Without asking, he left work early in Sydney, went straight to the airport and flew to Melbourne to be with me later that same day.
What is your favourite photograph?
I was lucky enough to visit Antarctica on a fancy boutique cruise last year doing some piano bar work at night and seeing the extraordinary sights during the day. It was the trip of a lifetime and hard to describe how other-worldly it is. This is me jumping into the Antarctic Ocean at about 1 degree Celsius. It burned like fire, and I was in shock for the rest of the day.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
I mean it would be hard not to say the Mona Lisa. That’s a pretty big flex, and having stood in front of it in Paris, I can attest it’d be so easy to transport and would fit anywhere.
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
I’d book a place at newly opened Restaurant Aptos in Stirling. For one. No change.
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A restaurant in SA you’d recommend?
I only discovered the Victory Hotel at Sellicks Beach last summer and took friends visiting from NYC to dinner there and to catch the sunset at Port Willunga. Was a glorious evening. And it seems it’s long been an institution and I’m playing catch up.
What was the last TV show you watched?
I’m currently watching Widow’s Bay on Apple TV and loving every second of it. Equally terrifying and hilarious.
Favourite way to unwind?
This time of year, it’s hard to beat being home on the couch with the heater on and a good series to binge.
Last book you read?
The Girl in the Band by Belinda Chapple – all about the rise and fall of Bardot in the early 2000s. I love a gossipy showbiz tell all.
Last song you listened to?
I’m mad for Madonna and I’m spinning the new tunes she’s dropped in advance of Confessions II next month. She’s having a moment and I’m here for it.
The Man Who Came to Dinner runs at The Arts Theatre from 9 July – 18 July visit adelaiderep.com for more information.
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