As the world’s most famous flying car prepares to touch down in a theatre near you, Aussie musicals star, Rachael Beck sits down for five minutes with The Women’s Weekly
1.What attracted you to the role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?
The name of my character of course! Truly Scrumptious!!
2. What is it about the story that has endured for as long as it has?
It is a magical tale. People can escape into another world in this story. Boys love the car, girls love the children and comical characters. The book is very clever. Jokes for adults and jokes for children.
3.. The child-catcher is the most terrifying character in children’s literature. Discuss.
I agree. Terrifying. Tyler Coppin will play this role brilliantly in this production. I was once told by a friend of mine who noticed my children were running away from me in the supermarket that if I told them the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang would catch them they would stop doing it. There’s a tip for you.
4. Is there a high-corset count in your wardrobe for this role? Is it tough to sing in a corset?
Yes there is. Luckily I sang in corsets when I played “Fantine” in Les Miserables. I am used to it. It also means I can eat more creme brulees and sticky date puddings and just pull it in.
5. The original book was penned by Ian ‘James Bond’ Fleming – does that make you a Bond girl?
Definitely! You wait for the sexy swimmers scene. Mmmmm might have to be in the sequel.
6. Belle, Sally Bowles, Fantine or Truly Scrumptious – besides the fact you have played them all, what do these characters have in common?
They are all searching for love.
7. Does the car fly? Or would that be giving too much away?
You will have to come and see it! All I can say is, whatever happens it is very magical.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang plays in Sydney from November 19 and in Melbourne from January 30. See the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang website for details
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