Who is Rachel Tunaley?
I suppose I’m the poster child for the Leo zodiac; ambitious, obsessed with drama, adores the spotlight and is somehow confident with absolutely no self-esteem to back it up with. We love versatility!
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Stop biting my nails! I’ve been chomping on my poor fingers since I was a kid and it has become a horrible habit!
Who inspires you and why?
My wonderful and amazingly talented friends. I am so bloody inspired by one of my best friends Sean Donehue who has recently debuted his original musical Bearded after years of writing and workshops. Sean as well as Nick Waxman and Will McKenna have been absolute legends in supporting my creative endeavours and I wouldn’t be putting on original work without their constant support. Also my whole NIDA Diploma of Musical Theatre (2017) cohort is absolutely kicking goals and I feel so lucky to have them in my life!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Make all clothing sizing universal! I want everyone to be able to walk into a shop and instantly know their clothing size rather than facing that panic you get trying on a range of sizes and hoping something fits. Seriously, why isn’t this already a thing?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite place I’ve travelled would have to be New York, that city is electric in the best (and worst) way and I love the drama of it all. But if we’re talking a REAL relaxing holiday; somewhere tropical, by the beach, I’m three margaritas deep and I’m drifting off to sleep in a deck chair by the resort pool. Heaven.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m lucky enough to live in the beautiful outer North-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne which is kind of like a hidden oasis amongst the gum trees. There’s this absolutely incredible pizza restaurant in St Andrews called ‘A Boy Named Sue’ and their woodfire pizza is to DIE for. The food is 10/10 but the location is even better, you feel like you’re in a charming country town in the bush, away from the hustle and bustle of it all! Plus it’s only ten minutes down the road from me so I can go straight to bed after having my pizza and wine, win win!
What are you currently reading?
Is it controversial to say I haven’t read a book in full in about a year? I’ve been absolutely glued to my script though, it’s so good I can’t put it down!
What are you currently listening to?
Being Funny In A Foreign Language by The 1975. On repeat. I’m doing great, thanks for asking.
Happiness is?
Sipping on a spicy marg’ while watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race with your mates, literally wetting yourself with laughter, cuddling up into bed with your partner after a long day and then dutch ovening them with the stinkiest fart. That’s happiness!
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully lots of gigs! Definitely writing and performing more original works, continuing to perform with the band I’m in – Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir – and growing my teaching business, Rachel Tunaley Performing Arts. And obviously signing a contract with Netflix for my bio pic, duh!
Rachel will present the premiere of her show, 12 Lies I Told Before 21 – which will be presented at The Apollo Theatre (Speakeasy Theatre), as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: 2 – 23 April. For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Rachel Tunaley (supplied)