Zoe Sheridan’s best life
Like her brother Hugh and her late father Denis, Zoe Sheridan is a born entertainer. Here, the radio presenter tells SALIFE what inspires her and gives us the lowdown on her two Adelaide Fringe shows – one for the kids and one for the grown ups.
Give us a brief insight to what you do.
I have worked as a radio announcer and voice artist for over 20 years which has brought travel, talented and interesting artists and people into my life and fortunately, a job I enjoyed. Eleven years ago, I began teaching meditation classes to children after school in Bondi. Noticing immediate changes (for the better) in their children, the parents asked me to teach them. Weekly adult classes began and during lockdown I began teaching online courses designed primarily for teens and young adults. I left Sydney in 2023 to travel and last November found myself back in my hometown, Adelaide. I worked at Mix FM over summer, held meditation classes at Davaar House and DJ’d on Sunday arvos at The General Havelock Hotel. For Adelaide Fringe I am combining the radio/DJ love of music with my love of working with children and have a show at the Austral Hotel (where I worked behind the bar during my Uni days) called KidChella. It’s like a dance party for kids with dress ups, games, dance moves, lights and bubbles. It’s like a really FUN birthday party and no one wants to leave.
What brings you joy in life?
As I mature in age, experiences that bring me joy, or I, have changed. Socialising and partying with my family, and friends was always fun and brought a lot of joy. These days I find so much joy in nature, walking on a beach or amongst trees. I meditate every day which brings with it feelings of peace, satisfaction and even relief. I guess relief comes with a change in perspective which happens for me when I meditate, I see the bigger picture and am reminded to ‘not sweat the small stuff’. What brings me the most joy are my children. I have two daughters who astound me with their grace and wisdom. They are the most thoughtful people I have ever met and I can honestly say they inspire me to be a better human more than anyone else. Travelling with them was one of the best times in my life so far.
What is your most treasured photo and why?
My most treasured photograph is of my dad and I at the opening of Sanctuary Cove in 1988. My dad, Denis Sheridan, was a singer and played gigs in Adelaide for as long as I can remember. From the rotunda in Rymill Park to The Stamford Grand in Glenelg, The Hilton, The Hyatt, The Arkaba and his own nightclub, The Kit Kat Club in a big converted church on King William Road. Dad introduced me to jazz and swing music, songs by Gershwin and Cole Porter, sung by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. I was a fan.
When I heard Frank Sinatra was headlining Sanctuary Cove, I asked Dad if we could go. He suggested I apply for a job. I was employed as ‘the entertainment officers’ assistant’. I had no experience but a lot of energy. I rode around Hope Island, the home of Sanctuary Cove, which back then was an underdeveloped swamp, on a pink moped and ended up faxing Frank’s manager his itinerary. It was fun!
Dad came for the Ultimate Event (he sang in a marquee with Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Ricky May, who passed later that year)
The first night Whitney Houston was the headliner and was .. everything. Talented, stunning, exceptional.
Dad and I sat three rows from the stage. I couldn’t believe it. Despite what critics at the time said, Frank was brilliant. The king of swing’s charisma and stage presence was mesmerising. But there was a performer that night, just before Frank, who blew my mind! The most entertaining entertainer I have ever seen. Working in entertainment, in particular for VH1 and MTV I have seen amazing artists from Paul McCartney to Stevie Wonder, Robbie Williams, Kylie, Ozzy Ozbourne, Oasis, Janet Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Billy Joel, Whitney, Frank … I am very lucky. But for me personally, the GOAT was Peter Allen!
I have so many photos I treasure for so many reasons, mostly the people in them, but this snap of my dad and I at Frank Sinatra is pure joy!
Zoe Sheridan with her late father Denis who was also an entertainer.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
The hardest lesson I have had to learn is something I am still trying to learn every day. Remembering to live in the present and be thankful for all the awesomeness in my life right now. I can be vain and think mean thoughts about my aging face and body instead of being so grateful for the miracles my body performs every moment and that I really am lucky to be alive. There is no point in having regrets as everything brought you to this moment. You can forgive the past but you cannot change it. I was just thinking this morning had I not drank in nightclubs I may not have my two children … their dad was the manager at a nightclub where I was the DJ.
Just as you cannot predict the future. I have seen psychics, astrologers and tarot readers, and I sometimes still do, but when I meditate and walk in nature, I am reminded that the power is in the now (to quote Eckart Tolle). My Dad and I used to say to each other:
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift
Thats why it’s called the present!
What are the top 5 songs on your playlist?
I love so many songs so I looked on my Apple music top 25 most played songs and they are in order
most played:
1. Lionel Ritchie You Are
2. Rufus and Chaka Khan Ain’t Nobody
3. Peter Allen Once Before I Go
4. Queen Don’t Stop Me Now
5. The Beatles Here Comes The Sun
I also love Rich Girl by Hall and Oates, I’ll House You by Jungle Brothers, and The Way You Look Tonight sung by my Dad. Also anything sung by my brother Hugh Sheridan (look for his show Something Big in the Adelaide Fringe Guide).
What is your life philosophy?
I don’t really have a life philosophy. They change but right now …”Different strokes for different folks”. In other words, love the variety of opinions, styles and beliefs that make up our colourful world rather than allowing them to divide. Deep down everyone wants to be loved and valued for who they are.
In 2000 I interviewed female Olympic swimmer, Elka Whalan (formerly Graham) and asked her life motto? Elka replied ‘loving life!’ and I have used that for myself ever since.
KidChella is on at the Austral Hotel throughout the Fringe (except for Sunday March 9 when it will be at Plant 4 in Bowden at 2.30pm). Zoe will also be DJing at the General Havelock Hotel on Sunday afternoons throughout the Fringe.