FABLE Staff Spotlight: Peter Johns

Our Lecturer in Music Theatre and Production Manager Peter Johns has been working at the University since July 2020, and was recently interviewed by the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics (FABLE) team for their Staff Spotlight series as part of their fortnightly newsletter.

What's your favourite thing about working at the Uni?
Definitely the students. Their passion, commitment, and drive are constantly inspiring. I love being part of their journey – watching them grow, supporting their development, and knowing that, in some way, I've helped shape their path. Seeing them go on to perform in professional theatre after graduating is a real highlight.

What's the best musical you've ever seen (and why)?
Come From Away – and I saw it an obscene number of times during its two-and-a-half-year Australian tour. It's one of the most cleverly crafted pieces of theatre I've ever experienced, full of heart and humanity. The storytelling is incredibly moving, highlighting how community, kindness, and compassion can shine through even in the darkest of times. It manages to be both joyful and deeply emotional, which is a rare and powerful balance.

And what's the musical you haven't seen but most want to see (and why)?
If anyone can turn back time and fly me to Broadway to see the recent revival of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, I'd be eternally grateful! The cast – Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez – is phenomenal, and the show's concept, telling the stories in reverse from end to beginning fascinates me.

3 things you love to do outside of work
Travel – airports are genuinely one of my happy places. I also love catching up with friends over a visit to a gin distillery. And when there's time to slow down, I'm all for a solid TV series binge.

A special thanks to the FABLE team for putting this interview together!