Gillian English is Hobart comedian, currently preparing for her national tour, Buy the Cow, which kicks off in August.

Where in Hobart do you live? I live in Kingston with my husband and our dog, Hugo.

What’s the best thing about Hobart? There are so many beau­tiful views and vistas in Hobart. Every time I turn around, I’m looking at something gorgeous.

And the worst? The worst thing is how early the buses stop running to Kingston. A late night bus service to the suburbs would be heaven.

Tell us a little about your work? I’m a stand up comic and actor. I tour quite a bit around Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Canada.

Could you tell me a little about your comedy – your style, how you get inspiration? My comedy is very high energy, I’m known for being an incredibly fast talker so pay attention! When I’m writing a new show I think about it for a very long time. I come up with a title and poster idea, and then I start writing. For a new stand up comedy set, a lot of that gets written in the shower.

What’s your dream project to work on? I would love to make a film adaptation of my show SHE WOLF. If anyone out there knows how to get movies made, call me!

I’m inspired by… Hard working women all over the world.

What do you love doing outside work? Over the last year,

I’ve gotten really into crochet. I love it. I particularly enjoy being able to hold a physical representation of how I’ve spent my time.

Where’s your favourite Hobart eatery? I love the Shamrock Hotel. Love a pint and a schnitty before a movie.

Drink of choice and where do you head for it? Pint of Cascade Lager, on a Sunday afternoon, in the beer garden at the Salty Dog in Kingston Beach.

Guilty pleasure? Large Manhattan pizza with extra cheese

from Pep Pizza.

Favourite team? I may be an Australian Permanent Resident, but I’ll always be Canadian at heart. So it’s the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team for me.

What do you never leave home without? Putting on earrings.

I particularly love pieces by Tinfoil Collective, Doodad & Fandango, and Haus of Dizzy.

I’d like to travel to… I was supposed to tour Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland last year, but had to cancel because of the pandemic.

Why Tasmania? And how have you found living in Tassie?

I moved to Tasmania when I started dating the man who is

now my husband. I love it here; the work life balance is perfect. I can have a great night out on the town one day, then go on an epic bushwalk and be completely off the grid the next. It’s the perfect place.

If I didn’t live in Hobart I’d live..in the North West of Tasmania, on a hobby farm with 4 sheep, 2 alpacas and a goat.

When there’s nothing to do, I…remember that I have a huge pile of crochet works in progress, and I work on one of those until it’s time to check my email again.

Favourite Hobart secret? There’s this super cool paint and sip studio called Archaica Schola on Macquarie Street. Really cool vibe and aesthetic, and the paintings are uniquely Tasmanian. Definitely check it out!

Where to next? I can’t tour internationally for awhile, so I’ll be seeing as much of Australia as I can

Quote to live by? Don’t Panic. – Douglas Adams