Three minutes with Jon English

Photo supplied

Q: Your new show focuses on the 60s and 70s but who is your favourite new band/singer of today?

A: Wolfmother. Basically because they're really reminiscent.

Q: You've been in the spotlight for a long time, but what's something about you people might not know?

A: I'm left handed...I once played keyboard for John Farnham and played guitar for Johnny O'Keefe.

Q: What's your ultimate dream in your performing career?

A: My ultimate dream in performance is to get a semi regular gig on Neighbours...no I just made that up. I'd like to see a professional version of Paris – the show I wrote – and with really good people in it.

Q: Who has been the most influential person on your career?

A: When I was growing up it was The Beatles. They caught me at the right moment – when I was 14. My dad is the one who got me going with music and there was a lot of music in the house. He said ‘take a chance', which was the best advice I was ever given.

Q: You are known as being the pirate king in the Pirates of Penzance. Would you go for a role in Pirates of the Caribbean?

A: Actually it would be a local joke, I should actually appear as the pirate king as a cameo like Keith Richards did in the third one. It would be a hoot for Australia and New Zealand. Yeah I would do it if it was funny.

Q: What old song would you like to see make a comeback on the charts as a cover?

A: If you're going to redo a classic you've got to do it better or different. With Total eclipse of the heart all they did was put doof doof on it and it was absolute crap. I'd like to see No Sacrifice by Elton John done. I'd like to see someone have a crack at that.

Q: What would you say has been your biggest life achievement?

A: I've got four children so that's easily it.

Q: How do you relax and spend your down time when you're not working?

A: That sort of goes back to what my dad said. This (my career) is my relaxation, it's my hobby. But look, I like the footy...just really boring, average, contemporary stuff. I'm reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I read lots and lots and lots of books. I like football and going for walks on the beach.