Episode #131 | Natalie Abbott

Episode #131 | Natalie Abbott

From Cinema Australia by Cinema Australia

April 8, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

Natalie Abbott discusses her role in The Deb and her journey as an actress.

In this episode, I’m joined by one of my favourite Australian actors, Natalie Abbott, who gives an inspiring performance in The Deb. I think everyone will find something they can relate to with her character Tayla considering the depth and complexities of the character. Also, anyone who’s a fan of musicals in general are going to adore this film. There’s so much to love about The Deb, and Natalie’s performance here really brings the film to life. The Deb is a larger-than-life musical comedy directed by Rebel Wilson. The film follows Natalie Abbott’s Taylah, a high school outcast in a rural town who sees the local debutante ball as her chance to shine. When her cynical, inner-city cousin Maeve (played by Charlotte MacInnes) is sent to live with her, the two clash but eventually unite, searching for self-acceptance, popularity, and a date to the ball Natalie is a performer who made her professional debut playing Muriel Heslop in Muriel’s Wedding The Musical in 2019. The role saw Natalie nominated for a Helpmann Award and a Green Room Award. In 2020, Natalie made her television debut staring in the ABC series Aftertaste, playing opposite Erik Thomson and Rachel Griffiths, reprising…

People in this episode

Host: Cinema Australia

Guest: Natalie Abbott

Topics covered

  • Australian actors
  • musicals
  • film analysis
  • character development
  • interview

Keywords

  • Natalie Abbott
  • The Deb
  • musicals
  • Australian film
  • character Tayla

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC, Austin S2

Books & works: The Deb, Muriel’s Wedding The Musical

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