Musical theatre performer Bobby Fox has turned his home into a creative space that ‘sucks you in’

BOBBY Fox is a man of many talents. Not content with being the four-time World Irish Dance Champion, he moved to Australia and into musical theatre.

At home with the fantastic Mr Fox

BOBBY Fox is a man of many talents. Not content with being the four-time World Irish Dance Champion, Bobby moved to Australia in 2002 and enjoyed success in musical theatre.

Who

Singer, dancer, actor Bobby Fox

Where

Elsternwick in  Melbourne

Favourite thing

My spare room/office/creative room where I can write and play my music

Inspiration

I really like modern classicism. I went through a break-up a year ago and a friend said my place looked like an empty shell. It’s taken nine months to get it together. I like to mix and match and for things to be individual; I have only one kind of any chair in my place.

Home is

A place of comfort for me. I could spend a few days being in my place without having to go out. I really like it.

While Melbourne has been home for seven years after a stint in Sydney, the sought-after Irish talent still spends a lot of time on the road, both here and abroad.

Best known for playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and, recently, the lead Tap Brother, Spring, in the 21st anniversary season of Hot Shoe Shuffle, he has also landed guest roles in the Nine Network’s House Husbands and Seven’s Tricky Business.

Ever the over-achiever, Bobby recently released a debut album, The Fantastic Mr Fox, which has a duet with model Miranda Kerr on the track You’re The Boss.

His schedule is hectic, but home is where he likes to kick back and relax.

“My home is where I rehearse, write and have parties with good friends.” Bobby says.

“It’s a great creative space, and as one of my friends said, ‘This house sucks you in, I want to be here more than being at my own place’.”

A wall painted entirely in black is a magnet for friends who use it as a chalkboard after a few drinks; a light box with changeable mantras is another popular outlet of creativity.

“It helps make it a home,” Bobby says.

Bobby Fox describes his home as a creative space. Picture: Chris Groenhout

The spare room, his favourite, holds his Maton 808 guitar. “It’s the first guitar I ever bought, second hand. I was workshopping some songs with my friend last night and I hit chord and I said, ‘Stop, listen to the guitar’. Every new note tells a different story and I like getting new dents on it — my dents.’’

Words Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Pictures Chris Groenhout

Bobby Fox of Home mag At Home, shot by Chris Groenhout

Light box
It comes with letters and right now I’ve got “Smile, Darn Ya, Smile” on it. It’s my favourite Sammy Davis Jr song, which he taps on. I hope to record it one day.

Tap shoes

Tap shoes

These have a really beautiful tone to them and as my background is in Irish dancing, I’m always tapping. I got in trouble with the director of Guys and Dolls, who said ‘Bobby, you have to stop tapping’.

Vexta artwork

Vexta artwork

Vexta is a street artist, who’s work has exploded recently and is everywhere.
I love this piece, as it’s timeless and gorgeous.

A love of hats.

Hats

I’m a hat lover. I always have a favourite and I’m used to wearing them. They can change your mood.

Gift box.

Gift box
This was a gift from Frankie Valli. All four boys in the Australian cast of Jersey boys, got one.
It plays Sherry, their first hit.

Photo.

Photo

I took this photo on my iPhone when I was last home (in Ireland). There was a huge blizzard when I got there. I’ve walked down that road a thousand times and my home is just on the left.

Bespoke suit.

Suit

This bespoke suit was made for me while I was working on Jersey Boys by Melbourne tailor, Adriano Carbone. It’s a fabulous 1950s cut and I like to wear it on stage when I am doing a show.

Vintage ashtray.

Vintage ashtray

We filmed the clip for You’re The Boss in New York with Miranda Kerr. When we finished the prop department gave me this. It’s a nice memento.

Accordion.

Hohner button accordion
It was given to me by my dad’s dad when I was eight or nine. I had an audition a couple of months ago and I got a few tunes together on it.