Singer Marina Prior is a closet ancient history nerd
Aussie soprano and actor Marina Pryor explains she may be messy, always late and a closet history nerd, but she only ever wanted to be a singer.
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Aussie soprano and actor Marina Pryor only ever wanted to be a singer but she has a secret passion – she is a closet history nerd.
MARINA PRIOR
Age: 61
Lives: Melbourne
What are you working on at the moment?
I am playing the villain Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables. I was Cosette, the sweet young girl, in the original Australian production over 30 years ago, so this is the ultimate full circle playing the comic and dastardly Madame. Playing opposite the comic genius Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame is an enormous privilege. To return to a show so close to my heart is a great joy.
How would you describe yourself?
Happy, grateful to continue to do what I love for all these years, and very home and family oriented.
How do you think others describe you?
If they know me well, they would probably agree with my description … honestly, I don’t think about it much.
What is most important to you?
Family and friends are easily the most important things in my life.
What is the last thing you read, watched, ate, listened to?
The last thing I watched was White Lotus and the last thing I read was an epic tale set in Kerala in India leading up to Indian Independence called The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. It was so beautifully descriptive and an immersive read. The last thing I ate was tuna ceviche I made with rice wine vinegar, soy, lime, mint and chilli. Delicious.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid I wanted to be a singer.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your life?
There are many obstacles in life once you’ve lived long enough. The death of my mum was very, very hard. Truly coming to a point where I didn’t need the validation or opinions of other people is hard for anyone, but in our industry it’s magnified enormously. Reaching that point was liberating for me.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
My one wish is always that my kids are loved, safe, healthy and happy. A villa in Tuscany wouldn’t hurt either!
Tell us a secret. What is one thing people may not know about you?
I am a real ancient history geek!
What has been your proudest moment?
It’s not really one moment as such, but being in this industry for over 40 years, and continuing to morph, evolve and achieve as an older woman is something I am proud of.
What has been your toughest period?
Covid was hard. Theatre was closed down for so long and my kids missed two years of school and social development.
What do you wish we could do more about?
The inequity women still face in the workplace and the underlying misogyny is still a huge issue, as is teenage mental health and self-esteem.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
My superpower wish is definitely flying.
What is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to you?
“You’re perfect just as you are.”
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d be neater. I’m messy. And usually running late.
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