Stephen Madsen plays a prince in Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott’s Christmas burlesque, pantomime musical parody – Moulin Scrooge!
Tell us about your role in Moulin Scrooge.
I play the Duke, lovingly lampooning Richard Roxburgh in the film Moulin Rouge. In our version, he’s the Duke of York. So, monarchists be warned, there are plenty of Prince Andrew jokes! He’s the villain of the piece, which is always a fun role to play.
What’s the best part about being in this current show?
Getting to work, if you can call it that, with my good friends. The second best part is remembering what it’s like working in Christmas retail and not having to do that this year.
A vintage Bohemian Christmas in Kings Cross – would that be fun?
You can still have a Bohemian Christmas in the Cross if you know where to go. That spirit persists despite the onslaught of the soulless apartments. I would have been up for a Black Christmas with Rosaleen Norton (the Witch of Kings Cross) and I’m sure I’d have enjoyed Les Girls. I’m happy to give the violence a miss, though!
Carlotta’s an icon and I’m thrilled to be in the same room, without having to pay for a ticket.
What’s it like working with Trevor Ashley?
Trevor cast me in Heathers, which was my first big stage show in Sydney, so we go way back. He’s directed me and we’ve been in concerts together, but this is the first time I’ll be acting opposite him. He’s incredibly skilled, hilarious, smart, and a joy to work with.
What about the legend that is Carlotta?
Carlotta’s an icon and I’m thrilled to be in the same room, without having to pay for a ticket. Most of our audience will be familiar with her, but for those who aren’t, look her up! Her story is incredible.
You’re in the best shape of your life. What’s your exercise routine?
I’m motivated to do a lot of exercise because I keep getting roles that demand it. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week. Keeping that up has become almost therapeutic for me. I focus on weight training at the gym because I do so much cardio at work.
Trevor cast me in Heathers, which was my first big stage show in Sydney, so we go way back.
What about diet?
I’ve been a vegetarian for nearly a decade now and I try to eat healthily. I eat lots of whole foods, vegetables, and fruit. To be lean, my challenge has always been eating regularly enough to put on muscle mass, but I’m cautious about giving diet advice because each body is different, we all have to find what works for us.
Your hair is looking great too. Any grooming tips?
I grew it like that by myself., but this feels a good opportunity to give my brilliant hairdresser a shout-out. Any good hair days I have, are thanks to Simon Bright at Jonny+June in Paddington. My number one grooming tip? Go and see him.
You, Jake Ambrose, Drew Weston, Tim Draxl, Matthew Backer – your group of friends have all become adonises. Is there something in the local water?
Going to the beach with any of those people gives one plenty of impetus to go to the gym. A lot of my friends are actors, so we have the added pressure of looking good and staying fit for our job. It’s more important to work out your brain, though. No amount of muscle is as important as being kind, funny and intelligent (which all those guys are).
How is life with your partner Matthew?
Life’s great! We’ve both been busy working this year, so we spend a lot of time apart – which is probably why he hasn’t gotten sick of me yet. He’s an actor and Play School host so, like me, he’s often away for weeks at a time, but we’re used to it.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
All I Want for Christmas Is You, by Christmas herself, Mariah Carey.
How do you and Matt plan to spend Christmas?
Matt will head to Queensland to spend time with his family. But I’m performing in Sydney until just before Christmas, and then start rehearsals for another show straight after, so I’ll stay with my family here.
Have you ever had an embarrassing onstage wardrobe malfunction?
In Muriel’s Wedding, I split my wedding suit pants almost in two when I squatted down to lift Muriel across the threshold. My dresser said she’d never seen somebody so thoroughly destroy a pair of pants in a show.
Are you a jeans or chinos guy?
It depends on the occasion, and I like both, but I’m more often in jeans. I’ve got a pair of baggy, light denim jeans that I’m probably currently over-wearing, because I like them so much.
This is our Swimwear edition. Speedos or boardies at the beach?
Speedos for sure! It feels so much better swimming in the ocean without shorts. The tan lines are better too!
What’s your favourite style of underwear? (If you in fact wear underwear!)
You can’t go past briefs, white, grey, or black. They’re classic!
