Leah Vandenberg is an accomplished actor who has performed in many fine programs including as a regular presenter on Playschool. Leah is also passionate about seeing more of a real multicultural presence in Australian TV and film. Leah is in Tasmania at present performing in play-school live programs.
Recently, Leah sat down to answer some of my questions.
How often do you get to Tasmania? What are some of your favourite things about Tassie?
Not often enough, I’ve only been once before! Flying into Tassie over the lush green wilderness just expands your mind and then you breathe in the clean, crisp air, then there’s Tasmanian hospitality and hello MONA … Tassie is an endorphin rush!
One reader on IMDB said you do ‘subtle performances but enough to draw the viewer in’. How do you approach acting and performing?
It’s an intimate space when you engage with a character. It’s like a relationship. You make a commitment to that character for the duration of the performance. Sometimes it can be a relief to say goodbye to some characters but at the end of the day, they all have a place in my heart. There is always something to love and always so much to learn.
A few years ago you talked about the lack of multicultural characters on Australian TV. Do you think things have improved?
Thanks for asking the question. With nearly one in four Australians being born overseas, do you think Australian television reflects this? Lets keep asking that question.
Playschool is the longest running children’s program in Australia and the second longest in the world. What do you think is its enduring qualities?
I think there is an underlying integrity and authenticity to Playschool. The world of the child is treated with such sensitivity, respect and gentleness and I think children respond to this. As a presenter I feel very fortunate to inhabit that world and be given the opportunity to continue to cultivate those qualities.
The program has launched and/or further skilled the career of many actors do you think it’s been beneficial for many actors?
I’ve always felt that acting is about empathy. To be employed to empathise and see the world through the eyes of a 3 year old is a unique position to be in. It may not open doors but it certainly opens your mind. It’s a wonderful world!
A piece of trivia says that Hamble is named after play school presenter John Hamblin. How did that naming come about and are there any other interesting stories about the toys name origins?
Hamble was in the original BBC Playschool and her name came from there as did the regulars, Jemima, Big Ted and Little Ted. Sorry I don’t have any stories on how Scrap, Daisy or Diddle received their names. I’ll have to ask them.
It is said that Playschool lets children’ wonder, think, and imagine’ an example being the useful box where you had to make something out of whatever materials were available. Do you agree?
Absolutely, especially whenever I’m presenting the craft segment! I’m sure many children are ‘wondering’, ‘thinking’ and ‘imagining’ what exactly is Leah making??? I’m not too sure myself sometimes.
Who is your favourite toy and why?
Woah dangerous territory. Imagine if I singled out Little Ted (for example), how would that make Daisy the cow feel or Diddle the cat? I unconditionally love love love everyone! … I really do.
You can see Leah:
Sun 11 Aug Hobart Hobart City Hall
Mon 12 Aug Hobart Hobart City Hall
Tue 13 Aug Burnie Burnie Town Hall (Burnie Arts & Function Centre)
Wed 14 Aug Riverside Tailrace Centre
Paula Xiberras
