Tom Gleisner AO: Blooming marvellous

It’s difficult to categorise Tom Gleisner, because he’s done it all. He’s a presenter, producer, director, writer, and actor, and even then that only scratches the surface of his talents. We first became aware of Tom thanks to The D Generation back in 1986, and as a part of Working Dog Productions he’s created comedy classics like Frontline and Utopia, panel shows like Have You Been Paying Attention and The Panel, and feature films such as the critically acclaimed The Castle and The Dish. But it’s musical theatre which Tom has most recently turned his hand to, writing the book and lyrics for Bloom, a new Australian musical set in an aged care facility.Tom reflects on his inspiration for the show, and his desire to treat older characters with dignity and complexity. He also shares insights into the collaborative process of developing the musical. He also discusses his multifaceted career, from his early days with The D-Generation and Frontline, the success of The Panel, to his more recent work in television satire with The Hollowmen and Utopia. He talks about making The Castle on a shoestring and the greater complexities and budget requirements for The Dish. Beyond entertainment, Gleisner speaks passionately about his involvement in charity work, including co-founding an autism support organisation and chairing a cancer charity. Bloom plays at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until May 11.