Categories: Entertainment

Top 10 Australian Times Interviews of 2013

Julian Assange: From information anarchist to party politician

The Australian government is, for Julian Assange, a place of corruption, of compromised interests, political infighting and parties who have lost their purpose and direction. Ahead of the 2013 federal election in which he ran for a seat in the Senate, he told Australian Times writer Alex Ivett why he’s the candidate to fix it.

Demonstrating Dexterity: Yvonne Strahovski joins hit US show

Aussie actress Yvonne Strahovski starred in hit US show Dexter. She talked to Australian Times writer Paul Bleakley about forming an unusual bond with a serial killer.

John Pilger exposes Australia’s shocking secret in Utopia

Two years in the making, John Pilger’s controversial new film Utopia reveals a shocking national secret behind the postcard image of the “lucky country”. As it premiered in the UK, the award winning documentary filmmaker talked to Australian Times writer Alex Ivett about the devastating inequalities suffered by the Aboriginal community.

Barry Humphries on his farewell show Eat Pray Laugh!

With a career spanning more than half a century, Barry Humphries has been a godfather-like figure in the Australian entertainment scene, with his work leaving an undeniable impact on theatregoers, critics and fans the world over. Australian Times writer Kiel Egging sat down with the veteran entertainer to discover why some of his most famous characters — most notably the unforgettable Dame Edna Everage — are making their final curtain call in London’s West End this winter.

Nigel Brennan: from Somalian hostage to round-the-world sailor

Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan spent 15 months as a hostage in Somalia, describing his time in captivity as a “wake up call”. In London to take part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, he shared his journey with Australian Times writer Bonnie Gardiner.

Wil Anderson on life, legs and the Logies

Ahead of a two week run at London’s Soho Theatre, Wil Anderson took a breather to speak with Australian Times writer Bonnie Gardiner bout his life, his legs and his comedy.

Cody Simpson: From the Gold Coast to popstar pin-up

Australia’s answer to Justin Bieber, 16-yr-old Cody Simpson, played at London’s IndigO2 in March as part of his first UK/European tour. He talked to Paul Bleakly about how he turned a YouTube clip into an international whirlwind success.

Alias Ruby Blade documents remarkable story of Kirsty Sword

Documentary film Alias Ruby Blade offers a unique insight into the tumultuous birth of a new nation in Timor-Leste through the story of Kirsty Sword, a young Australian activist who provided valuable assistance to the resistance and ultimately fell in love with resistance leader, and first President of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao. Australian Times met with the filmmakers husband-and-wife team Alex and Tanya Meillier, on the second night of the film screening to get an insight into the making of this remarkable documentary.

Aussie Melanie Hooper with a Licence to Thrill

 

Ahead of her UK tour with Brendan Cole’s Licence to Thrill stage show spectacular, dancing star Melanie Hooper talked to Australian Times writer Georgia Dawes about growing up in the Australian ballroom dancing world and the rollercoaster ride of Dancing With The Stars.

Explorer Simon Reeve challenges UK stereotypes of Oz in new series


Simon Reeve with members of Norforce on the remote Cox Peninsula Northern Territory Australia. Copyright BBC

Australia with Simon Reeve, a three-part series on BBC2 followed the author and television presenter as he attempted to challenge the pre-conceptions that British audiences have about Australia, including bikies, dangerous wildlife and the Outback. He chatted to Australian Times writer Paul Bleakley.

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