Kip Gamblin
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MINI-BIOG
You appeared in Moulin Rouge. What was it like doing a film with fellow Australian Nicole Kidman?
"Working with Nicole Kidman was a glimpse of Hollywood A-list; she is very focused and determined. Being in the same room as Baz Lurhman, Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent and John Liguizamo was inspiring. "Moulin Rouge was a massive production, using hundreds of dancers and Baz has this amazing ability to pull together an enormous creative environment. His movies always involve not just acting but the performing arts."

How does life in Britain compare to the warmer
climes of Australia?
"I didn't come to England for the weather, I came for the culture! However, I do miss going for a surf in warm water before and after work. But, hey, I'm here to work and learn. The sun, sea and surf will always be there to go home to."

What made you decide to swap dance for acting?

"I didn't swap dance for acting - I've always done both. Performing has been in my family for generations and we believe acting and dance go hand in hand and compliment each other. The more strings to your bow the better, it opens up more opportunities."

Will we ever get the chance to see you dance in London? And if so, what would be your dream part in a ballet?

"I would love to dance in London again. I performed at the Royal Opera House for a few months when I first arrived, which was amazing. I don't know about doing ballet again, but combining acting and dancing in a show would be wonderful. I also have a few ideas for a dance piece that a mate of mine and I have been working on for a while now."

How did you come to land the Casualty role? Did you get offered the part while in Australia, or did you come to the UK and start looking for work?

"A lot of people ask that! I came to England on a whim in search of opportunities. It's the place to be if you're an actor and a dancer. It took six months of auditioning before I got the job on Casualty. I'd found odd bits of acting and dance work, but was very pleased to score a role in a well-established BBC drama series."
You're a keen surfer, but have you braved the freezing waves in England?
"No, I've been too spoilt at home. England has some great surf beaches, but so far I've been too busy or it's been too cold. I do admire your surfers though."

You've travelled quite a bit with your work. Where's made the most lasting impression?
"China. We performed in small country towns as well as Beijing and Shanghai. There were cultural differences but generally life seemed simpler, and children playing on the streets had this overwhelming joy on their faces. I also have to mention a summer journey by bus through Switzerland, Austria and Italy where we performed at outdoor amphitheatres. My first son was conceived somewhere between Innsbruck and Rome! We had an incredible time. New York, LA, Mexico, Sydney, Japan all had their fair share of highlights, too."

Which British actors or dancers do you most admire?

"Ewan McGregor, James McAvoy, Daniel Day Lewis, Sir John Gielgud, Jude Law and dancer Darcey Bussell."

Casualty is one of Britain's longest-running and most popular series. What do you think has made it such a success?

"It's always been well cast, with established characters having an important role and brilliant stage and film actors making guest appearances."

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