Arts

Interview: Lara Mulcahy – Also ABBAsolutely Fabulous In Adelaide

By Brian Godfrey

Posted on October 4, 2018

Lara Mulcahy is a WAAPA graduate with over 20 years show business experience on stage and in film and television, including: playing Madame Thenardier in Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables; appearing in no less than three Baz Luhrmann films i(Natalie in Strictly Ballroom; Mome Fromage in Moulin Rouge, and the box-office hit The Great Gatsby; and receiving rave reviews for her role as Rosie in the original Australian Cast of Mamma Mia!

Lara Mulcahy

Lara Mulcahy is a WAAPA graduate with over 20 years show business experience on stage and in film and television, including: playing Madame Thenardier in Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables; appearing in no less than three Baz Luhrmann films i(Natalie in Strictly Ballroom; Mome Fromage in Moulin Rouge, and the box-office hit The Great Gatsby; and receiving rave reviews for her role as Rosie in the original Australian Cast of Mamma Mia!

It was whilst appearing in the latter that she met and became best friends with Rhonda Burchmore. A few years later, the two got together to co-write the wonderfully entertaining ABBAsolutely Fabulous.

After an extremely successful 2017/18 season touring, Mt Gambians and Adeladians finally get a chance to experience ABBAsolutely Fabulous this coming weekend (Mt Gambier Fri 5 Oct, Adelaide Sat 6 Oct).

In spite of their very busy schedule, I managed to track both Ms Mulcahy and Ms Burchmore down and was granted a delightful interview with each of them.

Here is the interview with Lara (Rhonda Burchmore’s interview can be accessed by clicking here) :-

B.G. Hi Lara, what is it like working with Rhonda again?

L.M. It is such a delight as it had been many years since we had been onstage together! We have so much fun and laugh ourselves silly every show and get up to lots of mischief! I mean how much better can life be than working with ya bestie every weekend !

B.G. What do you like about ABBA’s music?

L.M. I’ve been a huge fan since I was a kid and ABBA Arrival was the first album I ever owned. The music is timeless, has such great melodies and always makes you feel happy.

B.G. What is your favourite moment in the show?

L.M. Oh so many ! I love all the comic banter back and forth between Rhonda and I, it’s different every show and we improvise a lot with the audience. I also love singing Thank You For The Music as a duet with Rhonda, it’s a really special moment.

B.G. Can you give us an idea of the costumes you wear and do you have a particular favourite?

L.M. We wear a lot of Lycra ! We have fabulous costumes, from sequined pussycats on white tops like the ABBA girls had to wonderful jumpsuits bedazzled in jewels and my new favourite is my “ Koala” top in hot pink. All whilst balancing atop silver platform boots !You’ll have to come to the show to see them in their full glory !

B.G. Is there anything else you think that you should mention that I may have missed out?

L.M. This show is more than just ABBA songs, it’s a celebration of friendship. You’ll laugh with your girlfriends and may even shed a tear.

ABBAsolutely Fabulous plays at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier on Fri 5 Oct 2018 at 8pm. Tickets are: Adult $60 Group 6+ $55 (Transaction fees apply: $2.50 online, $3.50 phone/counter) Bookings: click here or phone (08) 8723 8700

and also

at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide on Sat 6 Oct 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets are: All $65 (A one off service and handling fee of $8.95 applies per transaction; this is regardless of the number or value of items purchased.) Bookings: click here

Interview by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods