By Crimson Cat

You have a very impressive, long list of talents! You’re an actor, singer, musical theatre performer and cabaret performer. What other skills do you specialise in?
I play blues harmonica and spend my spare time writing plays and films. I recently completed my first screenplay that I am hoping to have made some day.

How old were you when you realised you felt at home in front of a crowd?
I was 12 when I performed in a production of OLIVER. It was then that I felt that the stage was a place I liked to be.

When was your big break?
1992 The New Rocky Horror Show starring Craig McGlachlin, Gina Riley, Wilbur Wilde, Red Simons and Ellissa Jayne Cook.

Earlier in your career, you starred in the notorious Rio Underwear commercial. How was filming that for you?
I actually felt o.k with being semi nude but it was a bit confronting when the lady who was in charge of wardrobe kept telling me that my willy had changed positions between takes and asked me to put it back to the other side!

You’ve appeared on Australian television hit series such as Water Rats, Big Sky and All Saints. Can you see yourself doing any more acting for television or for the big screen perhaps?
Yes absolutely. I am hoping to move more into acting and away from musical theatre over the next five years or so. As you get older the body hurts more and more. Eight shows a week in musical theatre is hard work.

You’ve been in numerous theatre productions, which has been your favourite to perform in?
Notre Dame De Paris on London’s West End. I had a leading role and nine solo songs. It was the most challenging as well as the most rewarding experience I have had. It was also fun to co star along side a fellow Aussie Dannii Minouge.

When you were in the USA, you were the lead vocalist in Spirit Of Broadway and co-starred with Debbie Reynolds and Jimmy Osmond. How was it like to meet other stage and screen legends?
Debbie Reynolds was an idol of mine having grown up watching Singin’ In The Rain about 300 times. She was delightful as well amazing on stage. Jimmy Osmond would be the nicest bloke I have ever worked with. He insisted that we took our bows together every night even though the director told him to stand in front of me as he was the headline act. A true gentleman.

You and your wife Sasha Ely perform live cabaret together, where did you both meet?
We met in Reno Nevada performing in a casino called the Eldorado. I was the lead singer in a show there and she was a dancer in that show.

You are also in a band which plays hits from the 60’s and 70’s. When and why did you decide to form Relic?

I was in a show called Shout, The Legend Of The Wild One two years ago as the understudy to Tim Campbell who was playing Johnny O’Keefe. I was one of the Deltones. The blokes in the band in that show were great and we jammed often outside of work for fun. Brett Canning who played bass asked me to form the Relic after Shout had closed and I jumped at the chance. I always take the opportunity to play with talented musicians when I can.

You grew up in Melbourne, but you’ve lived in London and the USA. Where do you call home?
Melbourne is home. I love coming back here and spending time with friends and family. I am still very close to my mates from high school …20 long years ago.

Sasha and I are heading back to The USA to set up home in New York in September which is another new chapter in our lives. We are both very exited at the thought of working on Broadway.

Steve Judkins performs at Red Bennies on Monday 17th May.