DIAMONDS ARE this GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

Patrice Tipoki talks theatre, family, and her starring role as Satine (alt.) in Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

By PENELOPE PELECAS

She’s performed all over the world in leading roles, such as Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, Elphaba in Wicked, and Fantine in Les Misérables on London’s West End. The New Zealand-born Sunny Coast singer and actress is now back on home soil for her next exciting role, Satine (alt.) in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. So, it was only fitting we sat down for a quick chat on all things performing, family life, and the allure and glamour of her new role.

Hi Patrice, thanks for chatting with us and congratulations on your role as Satine (alt.) in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. How has it been?

Hi, lovely to chat with you! It’s been wonderful being involved with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Right from the beginning, there’s been an excitement around the show. Knowing it was already a successful production on Broadway and being able to bring it home to Australia where Baz Luhrmann’s film was originally created, which of course serves as our inspiration, has been EPIC!

What inspired you to audition for the show?

When Moulin Rouge! The Musical first opened on Broadway, I had some friends and family who saw the show and suggested that I would make a great Satine. I got my hands on the soundtrack and from then on hoped to be involved somehow!

What do you love about Satine’s character?

I love how multi-faceted she is. ‘The Sparkling Diamond’ of the Moulin Rouge nightclub, she really has her sparkly show persona and also her no-nonsense side.

How long does it take to prepare for a production like this?

Rehearsals normally start six weeks before we open a show. We’ll generally have four weeks rehearsal in a studio, and then two weeks of tech rehearsals, dress runs, and some preview performances.

You’ve performed in everything from The Lion King to Les Misérables on London’s West End, do you have a favourite?

I don’t really have a favourite show that I’ve been in, as I’ve been blessed to be in some wonderful productions. At each different moment in my life, the show I’ve been in has been my favourite. What I love about all the characters that I’ve played is their strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Some of those roles are Nala, Elphaba, Fantine, and now Satine. All warrior women!

What was it like performing on the West End?

Performing on the West End in London was a dream come true for me. I took my family over with me and we had the best adventures each day before I performed each night. On our one day off each week, we tried to see as much of Europe as we could. It was fantastic! Plus, the people I got to meet and work with were beautiful.

How long have you been performing for?

I come from a musical family, so I’ve actually been singing and performing for more than 32 years! My parents and grandparents were all entertainers, and my siblings are in the music theatre industry as well. My sister, Laura, is currently the music director for the Australian and international production of Hamilton the Musical, and my brother, Kuki, is currently playing guitar in the band. My little brother, Tamatea, has just started studying Music Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane. It runs in the family!

I read that you have four beautiful children, what do they say when they see you perform? My kids have been around the theatre a lot in their lives. Our youngest is still getting used to seeing me perform – she says, “mummy dings [sings]!” – but the others are pretty used to it. They enjoy watching shows and would love to be involved themselves.

How do you balance work and family life? If we can make it work, then we make it work. When I tour east coast cities (Melbourne and Sydney), my husband, Richard, who is a chiropractor, will work on the coast from Tuesday to Thursday, then he’ll be with us for the rest of the week. The kids are normally with me, and we home school the three eldest. Monday is our day off in theatre, so that’s our family day.

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL IS NOW PLAYING AT QPAC. TO READ THE INTERVIEW IN FULL, HEAD TO STYLEMAGAZINES.COM.AU

Favourite artist? Lately I’m loving Lauren Daigle, Madison Ryann Ward, and Ed Sheeran.

If you could be in any production, what would it be?

I’d love a stint playing Satine on Broadway.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? I don’t need to take everything so seriously and be so hard on myself.

It’s a perfect Sunday on the Sunny Coast, what are you up to? Church with the family, afternoon kip, and roast dinner at home.

What are your top three beauty products? My water bottle, a good night’s sleep, and a hat.