Actor Ian Stenlake is singing the praises of being at home

ACTOR Ian Stenlake is relishing playing Sam Carmichael in the smash hit musical, Mamma Mia! This star of stage and screen is enjoying spending time in one place, for now

Mamma Mia! The Musical cast member Ian Stenlake is loving being at home in Randwick while performing in Sydney. Pictures: Tim Pascoe

• WHO: Mamma Mia! The Musical star Ian Stenlake

• WHERE: A heritage apartment in Randwick with wife Amber. They have four children between them aged 9, 11, 12 and 15

• FAVOURITE THING: I am in my late 40s and I finally got my motorbike licence. I always thought I would get it straight out of school but I never got around to it

• INSPIRATION: Minimalist with clean, sleek lines

• HOME IS: The place where I can put my feet up

ACTOR Ian Stenlake is clearly relishing the role of Sam Carmichael in the Sydney production of Mamma Mia! The Musical.

The production has been a smash hit and a national tour beckons, but Ian has been at home long enough to enjoy some family time at his Randwick apartment, and get that longed-for motorbike licence.

“I am originally from Queensland, but I have been in Sydney for about 20 years, aside from a short stint in Melbourne,” he says.

“Big musicals take a lot out of you with eight shows a week, but being in Sydney, in my home town, has been great. Even when I am travelling with the show, I try to come back home to Sydney as often as possible for some normality.”

AT HOME WITH ANDREW ‘MARTO’ MARTIN

Though there’s nothing “normal” about his whirlwind life, with Perth the next port of call for the cast, before they move on to seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide.

Ian says he wasn’t prepared for the affection people have for the show, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the production.

“It really snuck up on me how much it impacts the audience,” he says. “People go home feeling happy and that’s extremely rewarding.”

He takes photos of his wife, actor Amber Stenlake (nee Mulley), and family on the road to make his temporary accommodation feel like home, but other than that, flowers are a must-have.

“I love flowers,” Ian says. “I absolutely need to have some living things in the house and when I am on tour.”

Ian has had a dream run on the musical stage with the production but he is also looking forward to returning to TV, having made a name for himself on shows such as Stingers and Sea Patrol.

“Top of my wish list would be to do a TV show in Sydney,” he says. “That would be a dream.”

More:mammamiathemusical.com.au

Vespa: I am in my late 40s and I finally got my motorbike licence. I always thought I would get it straight out of school but I never got around to it until recently.

Piano: Music is a big part of my life though I don’t play the piano enough. I learnt to play as a child, then relearnt as an adult. Every time I make the time to play, I never regret it.

Buddha statue: I go to Bali a lot, and this statue reminds me of Bali and of peace and tranquillity. I do meditation and yoga. I’m not a tragic, but I do try to and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sea Patrol: I was lucky enough to do Sea Patrol after quite a few musicals. I did 68 episodes and it was a great experience. We shot on the Gold Coast, Mission Beach and Cairns.

Framed Leunig image: This was given to me by one of my best friends, Matthew, and represents the dream — being able to get to a point in your life where you can just relax. That would be great.

Boony Army hat: I am a passionate Australian cricket fan. This hat reminds me of the days when I was a Boony fan and the Boony Army was out in force. I haven’t worn this hat in years.

Wallaby jersey: I played rugby union as a kid. I purchased this to wear to a charity gold day with Jack Newton where you had to come dressed as your favourite sports team.

Shakespeare Lexicon: I want to do Shakespeare next. In my first years as a professional actor I was with a Shakespeare troupe and I have really fond memories.

Guitar: I don’t play it as often as I would like, but I have spent a couple of years trying to do a show about Smoky Dawson. It really calms me to play.