I was drawn to performing in cabaret because I like the freedom in the form. I’ve been writing my own songs for years, and cabaret seems to be a good fit for me when it comes to performing them.

Do comedy and cabaret go hand in hand?
They can do, but they don’t have to. For me in this show there’s a fair amount of comedy, but I don’t think cabaret always needs to be funny. I saw some really beautiful shows when I was playing Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and found that what makes a cabaret enjoyable for me is when the performer communicates to the audience as honestly as possible. Sometimes, that turns out to be comedy, and sometimes it doesn’t.

You write and perform your own material. Where do you find inspiration?
As much as I complain about the jobs I work to pay the bills, that’s where a lot of it comes from. Working in hospitality especially means you’re always meeting people and overhearing conversations, and my brain is always going a million miles an hour after work, so I find I get a lot of ideas on the tram home at some ridiculous hour.

After playing the Adelaide Cabaret Festival you’re heading to Brisbane. Does it feel like a homecoming of sorts?
Yes! I can’t wait! I haven’t been home for nearly a year and a half so this is very exciting. Especially getting to play the Cremorne Theatre at QPAC – Southbank is one of my favourite things about Brisbane. I was in a show at the Cremorne in 2007 and I’ve worked a whole lot of different jobs in and around Southbank too – I worked at Boost Juice there when it first opened, and as an accompanist at the Conservatorium for a while too.

:: What is your favourite play? ::
I absolutely loved Noises Off by Michael Frayn when I saw it at uni.

:: What is your favourite musical? ::
I love Sondheim, but it’s hard to choose! Company is definitely up there, along with Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park With George. Also, I’m a massive Jason Robert Brown fan so I love Parade and Songs For A New World.

:: Name a character that you’d really love to play ::
I’ve always wanted to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret. She’s mysterious and fascinating…just ask her…

:: What is the most memorable production or performance you have seen?
Something that really inspired you. ::
Seeing Tim Minchin in Perth in 2008 blew me away. He is so clever and so good at what he does.

:: Favourite recording artist? ::
Too hard! Too many! At the moment: Josh Pyke, Regina Spektor, Adele

:: Favourite album? ::
Same again, too many to choose from! I’m a big John Mayer fan and at the moment I love “Where the Light Is” – John Mayer Live In Los Angeles – John Mayer<.

:: Favourite drink? ::
Gin & Tonic

:: Favourite place? ::
I move too much to pick just one! In no particular order: Melbourne, Brisbane, New York, Paris.

:: Favourite season? ::
Spring (but a nice warm Brisbane spring, not a cold Melbourne one!)

:: Recommend a book ::
The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

:: Recommend a film ::
Before Sunrise

:: Recommend a website ::
One of my favourite blogs is called Catalog Living http://catalogliving.net

:: Words of wisdom ::
“Desiderata” by Max Erhmann has all the wise words you could ever need.

What is next for Gillian Cosgriff?
After playing the show in Brisbane I head back to Melbourne to play the Melbourne Cabaret Festival at the end of July. After that, who knows? Hopefully keep touring the show and see what happens!