LOUIS BURKE | Culture | CONTACT
Local theatre actor Miles Nichols (34) may be the only person looking forward to the 2019 federal election, as his browned skin and wide arms mean he will likely make some coin playing a tradie in an election campaign.
Having performed to tens of thousands of people, some of which said they might go to the theatre again one day, Nichols knows how to evoke an emotional response from an audience.
With two decades acting experience and the ability to wear a hardhat, Nichols is hoping the election campaign season provides him with the opportunity to don some high-vis and scare the general population into voting for someone they hate.
“I’ve been practicing in the mirror,” stated Nichols.
“Mr Shorten, how could you? How could you Mr Shorten? Bill? Why?”
According to Nichols, the reason why a person who appears to be a tradie is often picked to deliver a monologue about how they’re voting, is due to their ‘everyman’ status, something Nichols can pull off on a visual basis only.
“No I do not behave like a trades person in my everyday life, although I have gotten out of bed early once. One time I also ordered a beer. In error admittedly. But I eat meat, grass fed of course.”
Beyond reciting the script designed to provoke fear and inspire individuals to begrudgingly vote for a major party candidate, Nichols says he takes his role as a tradie very seriously, committing to the method acting lifestyle.
“In the lead up, I switch my espressos for iced coffees and bring my lunch in a little esky that I sit on while I eat. Sometimes I hang out with other men, no girlfriend around or anything. One time, I even did manual labour.”
