Johannesburg - Theatre actor Jonathan Roxmouth travels as much with his work as he does on holiday.
First holiday memory?
Bobbing up from the back seat of my grandparents’ car to ask, “are we there yet?” on my first beach holiday trip to Durban and stopping mid-sentence when the sea broke the horizon. I don’t know which was more profound. The sight for me or the silence for my grandparents.
Favourite place in South Africa?
I have fallen madly in love with Cape Town. Luckily my job requires me to go there with productions so I live there six months of the year anyway.
Best holiday?
New York in January this year. It was a break after a long 2014 and my second visit to the Big Apple, so I sort of knew the layout of the land and could do all the things I didn’t get to before.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Our quality of life in South Africa is really good. For instance, what a dollar buys in the US, for instance, we get much more here for the equivalent.
Ideal travelling companion?
Anyone who will tolerate my grumpiness with airports.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Culture vulture – but not just theatre. I always try to see as many of the galleries or museums on offer. The best experience was an exhibition of Gilbert and Sullivan I saw while in London. Everything from the original fans from The Mikado to Sullivan’s explicitly detailed diaries. The Pirates of Penzance will never be the same for me.
Greatest travel luxury?
Plug points on the plane. My Mac addiction chews power.
Holiday reading?
I don’t really read while on holiday but do enjoy biographies.
Where has seduced you?
Tuscany. I may have a crush. I’m trying the Banting diet out, but would happily break it for a few weeks in Tuscany.
Worst travel experience?
Getting lost at Dubai International Airport is the winner. I was running with a bag cart from the one end to the other to make a connecting flight. I tried to turn a corner sharply and the wheels jammed, resulting in me flying over the handles and hitting the tiles. When I looked up, I saw three gents in the coffee bar near my ground zero, snorting on their espressos.
Best hotel?
The Diamond Hotel in Manila was a new standard in luxury for me. Genuinely helpful staff, great food and the biggest, softest bed I have slept on.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
There is a small bay just outside Hong Kong harbour with water so clear that you can see the fish below you. When I was on tour with Grease we were taken out for a boat party and all jumped into the Pacific and chilled on lilos with Tsingtao beers.
Best meal abroad?
I had the best Peking duck in London with the full presentation at the table. Leftovers for days.
Favourite city?
New York. I have been twice – once to perform A Handful of Keys with Ian von Memerty and the other for a holiday. The first time I landed, I felt instantly at home. I don’t think I’ve ever had a thrill quite like the first time I saw Times Square at night.
For a minute, I thought it was still day time because the light was so strong. Theatre marquees will do that.
Where next?
Greece is calling…
l Jonathan Roxmouth travels as much with his work as he does on holiday. He’s currently in Cape Town starring in West Side Story. He will give three From The Footlights performances at Montecasino’s Teatro in Joburg from September 18 to 20. He’ll also be in Joburg to tackle the title role in the Sweeney Todd at Pieter Toerien’s Main Theatre (also Montecasino) from October, before it moves to Cape Town next year.
Saturday Star