Talented Rachael Beck is singer, dancer, actor and entertainer.
Rachael Beck is a singer, actor, dancer and entertainer with an impressive line-up of credits behind her, from her days as Sam on the massively popular 'Hey Dad' sitcom series to a myriad of stage and television productions.
She has appeared in Stingers, GP, Flying Doctors and the film Ocean Boulevard. Her theatre productions include Eureka, Singing in the Rain, The Sound of Music, Young Judy, Les Miserables, Cats and Big Hair. She recently starred in Network Seven's 'It Takes Two'.
Her latest production is a new baby - due to be born any week now!
Rachael, how many children do you have? What age/sex are they?
Tahlula (a girl who is two years old) and a 32 week old 'bump' who is a surprise!
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
How you can get through each day with much less sleep and much more patience than you ever had before.
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
I miss the time I had available to prepare for work. Being a singer-actress, much of my work requires practice and research at home.
These days it's a bit 'fly-by-night'! I sometimes miss the sleep I used to have. Children have an uncanny way of knowing when you've had a big night out, and they wake up two hours earlier than they usually do.
What advice do you have for Essential Baby members who are new mums or mums-to-be?
Be gentle on yourself. Be gentle/compassionate with your partner. It's a trying time. (Wonderful, but trying!) If you go with the flow you will find your baby/toddler will teach you the right way to mother them; trial and error!
A tip for expectant mothers; the greatest thing I did was to have a 'doula' at my birth. Doulas are a great support for not only you but your partner as well. Look at the dial a doula website; you may have to meet a few to find the right one for you.
What are you great at?
I have become a master at diversion! (Mums will know what I mean!)
What are you terrible at?
Mmmmmm...trying to be gentle on myself!
What do you think about 'me' time? Do you practice it? And how do (or would) you spend your leisure time?
'Me' time is essential. For new mums, even a walk around the block on your own is a wonderful way of clearing your head and renewing your energy. It makes you feel like you again. I try to have me time; I now go to work to have me time, and as I am 32 weeks pregnant my me time is prenatal yoga and the odd massage.
What things do you enjoy doing the most with your children?
Doing the 'Hokey Pokey' together, watching her dance, and taking her swimming.
What kind of Australia do you hope for in regard to your children's futures?
An Australia that is tolerant, respectful of our planet and nurturing of our precious dreams.
Rachael, people loved you in your role as Sam on the popular TV program 'Hey Dad'. What are your most memorable moments from your time on this show?
Ha! That it was more fun off-camera than on. Ben Oxenbold always had me in stitches. And oh my bad hair!
You've performed in some of the most popular theatrical productions over the past fifteen years or so. What do you find special about working in theatre?
Every night you perform in theatre you walk a tightrope. The adrenalin is amazing and the challenge is to think you are doing everything for the first time. (Sometimes it is your 500th!).
What can we look forward to from you in 2009?
Another baby! And more singing and some more stage shows.
Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!) - What are you feeding your children for dinner tonight?
Stir-fry chicken and vegies with brown rice, and an ice block of course to finish. Oh there may be a little tomato sauce to help it all go down. On the chicken, NOT the ice block.
