Rachael Beck: theatre royalty comes to Canberra

Posted on 11 June, 2019

When I was growing up in country NSW, one of my favourite things to do, was to disappear into a fabulous afternoon TV movie musical.

You know, those dreamy 1940’s and 50’s classics in which the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were swooning around on shiny floors and leaning against equally shiny pianos.

I loved nothing more than to lay in my bean bag, with a fully loaded milo, completely immersed. Lost in the story, dance and song. And I dreamed that when I grew up, I might be just as effortlessly shiny.

There was however little opportunity to develop into that kind of triple threat talent in my town of less than 8,000. And although I did become a singer, I’m still no threat to anyone’s acting or dancing career.

Well at least, not yet! Because my new life mantra is that it is never too late, and we are never too old to dust off our dreams. If I want to learn to dance and act and sing all at once, why shouldn’t I?

And why shouldn’t you?

Enter, Rachael Beck. I mean literally.

Rachael is coming to Canberra this Saturday to host a one – day acting and musical theatre workshop. I kid you not.

Yes. Canberra. A place oft omitted from many a star-studded itinerary.

Who exactly is Rachael Beck?

Rachael is a Sydney based multi-faceted, award-winning powerhouse whose talents span both stage and screen as an acclaimed vocal artist and actress. Rachael has been aptly referred to as ‘Australian Theatre Royalty’ and has just returned home from her starring role in Melbourne alongside Todd McKenney as Charity Barnum in Barnum, The Circus Musical.​

Rachael’s theatrical and career highlights are too numerous to list here, however, she is widely remembered for her award-winning role as Belle opposite Hugh Jackman in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. You can read more about Rachael and her stage and screen career though here . Or just google her. You’ll get it.

Why does Rachael travel to Canberra?

Rachael is passionate about mentoring others. And as a Mum of two, she knows that circumstances can sometimes preclude us from doing what we love. So, she travels widely to bring the doing of what we love, to us. Rachael believes no one should miss out.

“I think every single person should have a go at acting. Through the arts you learn self – belief, self -confidence and so many wonderful life skills.”

Rachael has been conducting these intimate workshops in Canberra since 2014.

Rachael Beck in Barnum, The Circus Musical. Credit: Jeff Busby.

And to those who might be feeling a bit nervous, Christine Van 32, has attended one of Rachael’s workshops and says there is no need, “Rachael really creates a very safe environment for anyone. She has that spirit and openness to really reassure people “.

OK ladies, what are we waiting for? Let’s get brave and have some fun.

Because I agree with Rachael that there’s no age limit on growth.

Look out Ginger!

“You’ve only got one life. And I think you should keep expanding and exploring and being brave and testing yourself. And feeling the fear and doing it anyway. There is no age limit on that. We should all keep growing throughout our lives.”

the essentials 

What: Rachael Beck’s intimate Musical Theatre Workshop
When: Saturday 15 June from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Where: Gungahlin Theatre,
Bookings: Click here

Feature image credit: Jeff Busby.