Wickedly Fun Life

01 Dec 2011

As Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West in the Broadway musical Wicked, Jemma Rix (below left) gets to travel to many different cities. The Australian theatre performer shares with Rossara Jamil her best tips for exploring new places.

1. What are your three tips for doing research on a place before you go?

I always buy a Lonely Planet book for every country I go to. It helps so much with great hints and recommendations on what to eat, see and do. I would also check out what the weather will be like so I’ll know what clothing to pack. Lastly, I would grab a language book for the country I’m going to and try to learn the basics.

2. What do you enjoy exploring the most in each country while on tour?

The things that they are most famous for, although I also love getting insider knowledge and doing what the locals love doing. You get such a buzz when you embrace their culture and don't feel like a tourist. When I went to NYC and visited friends who live there, we went to bars and restaurants known only to the locals, and we also went to an American football game. When I was living in Japan, I would go to my Japanese friends’ homes and have traditional Japanese cuisine, which was really special.

3. What’s your favourite way to see a new place?

By train or if possible, on a bike. My husband is a professional triathlete so I love cycling while he runs beside me. He’s obviously very fit so he’s able to talk to me while he’s running. We chat about where his next race will be and how fit he is feeling. We’ve done that all over the world – in Japan, Thailand, Colorado, Los Angeles, San Francisco and, of course, all over Australia. It's such a great way to explore the area!

4. What are your must-have items for a great trip?

Lip balm because different weather conditions can dehydrate your lips, sunscreen because the last thing you want is sunburn, and sunglasses to look after your eyes. And of course your camera, so you can capture all the magical moments.

5. You’ve lived and worked in various parts of Australia. Name your favourite place and tell us some things to see and do there.

My favourite place is Melbourne because it’s full of culture, art, music and sport. I love Chapel Street, with its great shops that carry very unique clothing, and fantastic cafes with delicious food and coffee. You could easily spend a whole day there. I also love the St Kilda area and the beach there, watching people kite-surfing on the water.

6. Tell us about an interesting chance encounter you’ve had while travelling.

I was in NYC during the break before starting the Asia tour for Wicked and I was eating lunch with some friends in a very nice restaurant. A camera crew was setting up there, so we asked our waitress about it, but she said she couldn't say why. Forty minutes later, Kim Kardashian and her now ex-husband were having lunch right next to us, filming for her show. It was very exciting!

WICKED will run from December 6 to February 26, 2012 at Marina Bay Sands.

wickedthemusical.com.sg

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