Teddy Tahu Rhodes
Healthy eating and keeping in shape used to be priorities for the bass-baritone, who once had to do push-ups while singing in a scene from the opera Dead Man Walking. Nowadays, though, he enjoys more sedate roles, such as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s upcoming Magic of the Musicals.
Do you avoid any particular food or drink before performing? I don’t have any food or drink phobias before I sing. I’ve even been known to have a beer before or during a show; only ever one, mind you.
What’s your most memorable meal while abroad? It’s possibly more “locational” and “situational”. A simple baguette with cheese and wine on a cobbled Bordeaux street springs to mind. I used to do that regularly at a cafe while performing there.
Is healthy eating a priority? It used to be more so, especially if I was getting in shape for a specific role. These days, in my fifties, I like to enjoy my food, but overall I think I’m pretty healthy. I’m not a “fast food” guy.
What did you eat for breakfast today? Two slices of toast, one with peanut butter, one jam (always in that order), with a large long black and hot milk on the side. I have that every day and I always go out for breakfast.
How about lunch? I haven’t had lunch today. What’s your typical dinner? I live alone, so dinner tends to be unimaginative and prepared quickly. A typical dinner might involve a roast chicken from the supermarket, accompanied by frozen vegetables heated in the microwave. They say frozen is just as healthy as fresh, as they’re effectively frozen as soon as gathered, which stores the vitamins. Well, that’s what I choose to believe. I’ll eat that with a glass of wine.
Do you snack? I snack all the time, but that’s generally my healthy time. I’ll often have a protein drink, smoothie or just milk. I drink litres. I used to follow a five-meals-a-day plan that included three full meals of protein and vegetables, with two protein drinks in between. I haven’t done that for a while. What dish are you most likely to serve when entertaining? With my lifestyle, I hardly ever entertain. I haven’t had a permanent home for many years.