Following the success of her Marlene Dietrich cabaret Falling In Love Again, Jennifer Ward-Lealand takes centre stage again with The Look of Love -Evocative/Provocative. The cabaret at Downstage Theatre in Wellington will reunite her with musical director and pianist Grant Winterburn and bassist Aaron Coddel.

"As ever, a live environment is wonderful and a great challenge. The audience arrive with an expectation and it is up to us to fulfil and hopefully exceed it. The three of us have to be very focused - and listen to each other with every cell in our bodies," says Ward-Lealand.Following the success of her Marlene Dietrich cabaret Falling In Love Again, Jennifer Ward-Lealand takes centre stage again with The Look of Love -Evocative/Provocative. The cabaret at Downstage Theatre in Wellington will reunite her with musical director and pianist Grant Winterburn and bassist Aaron Coddel.

"As ever, a live environment is wonderful and a great challenge. The audience arrive with an expectation and it is up to us to fulfil and hopefully exceed it. The three of us have to be very focused - and listen to each other with every cell in our bodies," says Ward-Lealand.The cabaret celebrates love in all its guises and features songs by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach, Jacques Brel, Kris Kristofferson, George Harrison and others. Each song tells a different story, complimented with lighting design by Andrew Malmo.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
It would be more a case of using the time I have between family commitments in the most constructive way possible. I can get a rush of late night desk clearing but am acutely aware of the 6.30am rise to get children up and going.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Just rang my friend -she says "classically, simply elegant"

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Performing on stage

How does your environment affect your work?
Quite a lot - it is always a thrill to work in a beautiful theatre- and that is one of the best things about touring NZ - I get to work in some fabulous theatres. Dirty environments are difficult if I have delicate or ornate or lightly coloured costumes.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Versatility and a good work ethic.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Oh, too many to name. I love my job! Edward Albee's The Goat would have to be a high light.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Frances Walsh, our new Actors Equity organiser. She is an excellent communicator.

What songs are you performing for the Look of Love - Evocative/Provocative?
It is a most eclectic set - featuring songs by Sondheim, Brel, Bobbi Gentry, Irving Berlin -

What are some of the guises of love the cabaret celebrates?
Lust/ Divorce/ Desire/ Desperation/Unrequited love/loss/Masochism - .

What are some of your favourite songs in the performance?
It changes weekly but at the moment I particularly love "I've got to have you" by Kris Kristofferson

Who is accompanying you?
Musical Director Grant Winterburn on piano and Aaron Coddel on bass.

Who is designing the lighting and why is this an important part of a cabaret?
Andrew Malmo. Each song tells a different story - and each lighting state must complement and support that.

What are the challenges and rewards of performing a cabaret?
As ever, a live environment is wonderful and a great challenge. The audience arrive with an expectation and it is up to us to fulfil and hopefully exceed it. The three of us have to be very focused - and listen to each other with every cell in our bodies.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
That would mean going back to age 7.. and who knows what they want to do at 7? Well, I guess I did - - um..PASS.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Waiheke Island

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
In the car - it is where I do a lot of my rehearsing!

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A set model

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Meditate

What's great about today?
The sun is shining. Summer is coming.

What's your big idea for 2009?
More touring to Australia.