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In a candid discussion, the acclaimed performer delves on topics ranging from her latest role as a regal sea creature to the profound lessons learned through onstage mishaps and fan interactions.

If You Could Be a Fish for a Day

Your latest role is Queen of the Cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; if you could be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?

Straight away, that particular fish residing near Clovelly beach – since it is a local landmark, and individuals visit to see it. I just think as remarkable that a resident aquatic creature that people actually seek out and discuss – it’s a special fish.

A Cinematic Staple to Revisit

Which movie do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. When I was growing up, it used to come on the ABC every now and again, and one time I videotaped it. I just thought it was hilarious. It’s Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Not long ago they were playing it at the Ritz and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of a friend of mine, and so we went and just laughed repeatedly. It’s such masterful work of comedy and the entire cast in it are superb. The director Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not successful. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, worth viewing often.

The Best Lesson Gained Through a Co-Star

What’s the best lesson you took away from someone you’ve worked with?

I was doing A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – now my spouse, but back then we were not together. We portrayed characters as scene partners and during the premiere I stumbled – I jumped ahead some dialogue in the script. I didn’t know of my error but I abruptly sensed things were off. I recall glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance regained momentum and went really, really well. However, I believe the insight gained in that moment was, firstly, always trust the people in your scene. When you lose your place, by looking and look at the people you’re with, you can rediscover your correct position somehow. It is a profoundly communal thing, acting on stage. And secondly, just to have a sense of fun about it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a wonderfully positive direction if you’re fully engaged in that moment. It may become an unexpected boon when things go completely the wrong way.

Memorable Exchanges with Admirers

What’s been your most touching interaction with a fan?

There isn't a single particular interaction but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I hear a lot of accounts about what Eowyn meant to them when they were younger … things that had happened in their lives and how much that character meant to them and was a form of support to them in those times.

Which questions get asked most frequently by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most detailed question is always about that infamous meal that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Was the stew as terrible as it looked?” It has evolved into such a joke, the whole thing involving that dish, and all fans wish to know the contents of the pot, and how was it made, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a bad cook? Fans seem, in my view, fascinated by the comedy of that scene. And I provide lengthy descriptions describing the ingredients that made up the concoction – as I recall the efforts made; like they even adding pieces of colored thread to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed great detail to render it as bad as they could.

An Awkward Star Meeting

What was your most cringeworthy run-in with a famous person?

I was at a pilates class and another participant lying down doing pilates, and the instructor remarked, “Oh, Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted some joke about, “might you be a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they work in media. I hadn't properly seeing who it was. And when she got up, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I didn’t know what to say. I still had to complete my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I am aware of who you are!” I think she’s so fabulous and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.

The Origin of a Moniker

Articles have confidently claimed that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned stating otherwise – can you clarify this once and for all?

Indeed, I was named after a district in Sydney. Mum heard on the radio that they were opening a mall at that location, and she thought sounded like a pleasant choice.

Chaos on Set

What was the chaotic thing that’s ever happened on set?

While working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the final product turned out incredibly well. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is unique. Typically, you receive a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was sort of open ended – one would appear at one's convenience. It was a really different way of working for me. All aspects were being assembled at the final moment, and at times the plan was unclear the next location or the methodology. And then I would be in during a scene and be like, “What caused that sound that just interrupted the scene? Oh, it’s the producer popping open a bottle on set, because he’s making a party.” It turned out great, but wow, it’s a really different approach to film-making.

A Secret Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I memorise numbers more readily than I memorise words often, I simply have a numerically-oriented mind. So I think had I not pursued acting, I probably would have entered a field something to do with numbers, like math or accounting.

The Finest Piece of Advice Given

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

When I was in high school, someone addressed us as we were graduating and stated, “don’t be afraid to fail” … which I think is supremely valuable counsel, because you learn far more from failure than is gained from success. With success, you never really comprehends precisely why it happened. With failure, the lessons are abundant.