Rachael Beck, though best known for her performance as "Belle" opposite Hugh Jackman in Beauty and the Beast, has also appeared in numerous television productions and concerts, including a four-year stint as Sam on Hey Dad and City Homicide.
Her theatre credits include "Sally Bowles" in Cabaret, Fantine in Les Misérables, Maria in "The Sound Of Music", and Kathy Seldon in David Atkins' "Singin' In The Rain" and she's also appeared in the Pajama Game alongside husband, Ian Stenlake.
Rachael came fourth in the third series of It Takes Two (with Ernie Dingo) and appears extensively in the concert and corporate arena, performing with Jeff Wayne on the Australian tour of "War Of The Worlds" and with her co-performers Danielle Barnes and Mandy Carnie in their trio, Girls On Film.
She has two daughters, Tahlula, 5 and Roxie, 2.
Rachael Beck
C4K: So, Rachael, did you get your "thank you hug" and toast in bed for mother's day?! Did the girls give you anything else?
RB: Yes I did! They also gave me some drawings and a box of chocolates (which they ate)!
C4K: What did you give your mum for Mothers Day?
RB: A phone call and of course a big thank you. P&G actually just released the 'Attitude to Gratitude Survey', which found that what mums want most on Mother's Day is to be acknowledged and thanked, so I think I did alright! People can create their own thank you mum message at www.facebook.com/PGAustraliaNewZealand. I've already recorded mine, so check it out!
C4K: You've obviously performed for years on TV and in the theatre etc, but what made you create Girls On Film and what sort of acts do you do?
RB: Two of my best girlfriends, Mandy and Danielle and I created the show so that we, as working mums could spend time together! It is a singing and dancing act based on songs from films -we do corporate events and concerts. It's fabulous.
C4K: Your life as a performer must be pretty unpredictable in terms of schedule and mean lots of evening work... How do you juggle performing and parenting?
RB: Every day is completely different in our house so it's a matter of "what's on today" and also planning times when my mum can come and help us. It is a juggle, but I love what I do and I know I am a better mother when I can have a creative fix.
C4K: With Ian being an actor as well, does he get to spend a fair amount at home during the day as well? Would you say he's a hands-on Dad?
RB: He is definitely a hands-on dad. I lucked out there. Our work varies, so week-to-week the amount of time we spend with the kids changes. Our children are used to that – it's all they know.
C4K: What sort of child care do you have for the two girls and how does it work for you?
RB: Tahlula goes to school now, but Roxie is starting at a kindy in Bondi soon, two days a week. If I have to do a gig at night or interstate we fly either my mother or Ian's down to stay with the kids. If that doesn't work sometimes I take them with me. We also have a couple of great babysitters. We did have an aupair for a while when we were extremely busy, and that was great!!
C4K: Did you take any time off when you had children or did you basically work through while managing your workload accordingly?
RB: No, I took 3 years off from work for Tahlula and the same for Roxie-having said that, I would do the odd one night singing event or a couple of spots on "It Takes Two", because I could do it with a baby next to me! I realised that if I didn't keep some sort of singing or performance up I would go crazy.
C4K: What are the best and the hardest aspects about being a performer and having kids?
RB: Where do I start? I think the girls love that we are performers, because our house is a continuous playschool episode. We get into the songs and games. The hardest aspects are that we live a life of no regularity. It is spontaneous a lot of the time. The hours of work also make it difficult sometimes to get enough sleep. Ahh, but that is parenthood, isn't it?!
C4K: Have the girls seen you on TV or in the theatre?
RB: Yes, I am actually "Miss Rachael" in Dorothy and the Dinosaur on TV at the moment and they love that. They do love watching us singing, although they don't let us sing at all around the house. They block their ears and say "NO!!Stop!"
C4K: What would be your 3 "can't live without" things when it comes to being a working mum?
RB: Sleep-if I can get it, dinner together and chats about the day, and finally lots of snacks in my handbag to keep me going! My favourites are tamari almonds.
To find out more about Rachael and her performance trio, go to www.rachaelbeck.com.au or www.girlsonfilm.net.au.
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