Hugh Sheridan
Hugh Sheridan is someone known for their time on Australian television screens. Most notably Hugh portrayed Ben Rafter in the hit show Packed To The Rafters. In their life as an actor, Hugh is a four-time Logie Award winner, in the Logie Award for Most Popular Actor category. Yet, there is much more to this talented performer. Before the Solitary Man concerts, Hugh chatted to Pario about their creative journey up to this point.
In Solitary Man Hugh will be performing the iconic music of Neil Diamond, with their own flair. As such, Hugh opened up to Pario about their emotional connection with Neil Diamond. Hugh also spoke about how they view themself as a much more multifaceted artist than the world realises.
According to Hugh their creative journey stems back to childhood & the environment they grew up in.
"My father was a jazz singer, so I grew up in a very musical house of," recalled Hugh. "I'm the 6th of 7 children, all of whom were in bands or played music... so we had a lot of music in the house."
Growing up surrounded by so much music led Hugh to explore that as a creative outlet. This was long before acting even entered their mind. Eventually, Hugh would stretch the creative wings & evolve into a triple-threat performing artist.
"People ask me all the time, 'what are you? Are you a singer, a dancer or an actor?'" Hugh explained before sharing this answer. "To me, whether you are a singer, dancer or actor it's all the same thing. You are using the same instrument, your body, to connect with the audience, to try to tell a story, to try to move people & even change them if you are very lucky."
For this reason, performing in Solitary Man was something Hugh couldn't pass up.
"The best part about doing Solitary Man is that I get to be all three at once... I'm not trying to be Neil, I'm just trying to bring my own life to his music through my own interpretations while also bringing Neil's essence through... This concert series is a wonderful opportunity for me to let go."
Solitary Man is a wonderful opportunity for Hugh to show off their talents. It's also a chance for Hugh to perform & connect with a raft of songs that hold very special places in their heart.
"Through working on Neil Diamond creating this show, this music has become the soundtrack to a special time in my life. I think that gave these songs, & this show, extra special meaning to my love for Neil," beamed Hugh. "I lost 5 great friends last year, including my father. When we're going through moments of grieving or loss we're constantly looking for information & comfort. When you are listening to a song the words become more prevalent to you than perhaps what the songwriter had intended. I felt that very much with Neil Diamond."
In closing, we asked Hugh if there were other artists they would love to give a similar concert treatment to.
"Absolutely, I would love to do a Frank Sinatra series in honour of both my father & my own love of Sinatra. I also think it would be wonderful to do a show inspired by someone like Peter Allen... Obviously, Peter has been immortalised through The Boy From Oz but that only scrapes the surface of an incredible catalogue of music... It's up to myself & other young performers to ensure that these artists & their songs are immortalised."
Oct 21, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney.
Oct 28, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank.
Tickets & Info: www.solitaryman.com.au
Keep up with Hugh on Social Media at: @Hugh_Sheridan
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