“Destiny kept opening doors for me”

The Operative Word with Cheryl Barker

Why do you do the job that you do? Because destiny kept opening doors for me to walk through.

Who has influenced you most professionally? Peter Coleman-Wright, my husband.  Had I not met him at High School I would definitely not be doing what I am now.

Is there any other profession that you would have liked to have followed? I was always interested in History and think I would have the patience for digging around as an archaeologist.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Snuggled up on the sofa watching a great movie and eating a box of hard-centre Darrell Lea chocolates while it’s bucketing down outside.

If you could have dinner with a historical figure, who would it be? Oscar Wilde.  He absolutely fascinates me.

What is your greatest extravagance? Without a doubt, perfume.

One thing you regret is… Not going through with the purchase of a great flat in Toorak in Melbourne years ago – it was about $30,000 and huge!

If you could have any opera character as a friend, who would it be, and why? Musetta from La bohème. She is kind and fun.  Even sells her earrings to buy medicine for Mimì.

Who or what is the love of your life? My husband Peter and my son Gabriel.

What are you optimistic about? Not much these days.  Everything we hear is doom and gloom. I have stopped reading the paper or listening to the news.

You would like to devote more time to… My friends.

What is your favourite food? Anything from Bar Zini in Harris St Pyrmont.

What is your most treasured possession? My Grandmother’s engagement ring.

Which is the opera that got you hooked? Eugene Onegin.  Even the first few bars of the overture make my heart pound.

Which opera do you never need to hear again? To be honest I rarely listen to opera, but probably The Magic Flute. I don’t see what all the fuss is about. 

If there’s one quote that really speaks to you it’s… "Rooster today feather duster tomorrow" (my Dad told me that one).

What is your idea of misery? Boiling hot summer days with no air-conditioning.

You still hope to… Revisit Egypt.  (As long as my hotel has air-conditioning)

Which characteristics do you most admire in others? A sense of humour.

You feel guilty when you think about… Leaving my parents for 20 years when I moved to London.

What type of holiday do you most enjoy? A luxurious hotel, massages and no music to learn.  I can’t remember the last one of those.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My legs.  Six inches longer would have been nice.

Who is your favourite band? The Cure. I saw them last year and they were amazing.

You spend too much money on… Perfume.

Your greatest achievement has been…Giving birth to Gabriel.  It outstrips any opera performance.

The book everyone loved but you could not finish was... Watership Down.

What is your favourite kitchen appliance? The kettle. I love the sound of it boiling.

How do you stay up to date with new technology and trends? Word of mouth in the wig room wherever I am.  I am pretty hopeless generally but good at Angry Birds.

Who is your favourite heart throb? I would have to say my husband Peter, but if not him, Antonio Banderas.

Cheryl Barker stars in the title role of Salome at Sydney Opera House until 3 November and Arts Centre Melbourne 1 - 15 December. Click here for more details, casting information and to buy tickets online.