In 2003, Carmen Pavlovic was in her early 30s, working for Andrew Lloyd Webber's company The Really Useful Group in Sydney. She met Pete through mutual acquaintances and was impressed by his work as a designer. They quickly bonded over a beer on the office stairs, chatting for hours. Though she had unexpectedly taken a job in London, they agreed to stay in touch.
Nearly two years passed before the timing was right to discuss potential work collaborations. When she reached out, Pete was working in Shanghai. By chance, Carmen was flying there the following week, so they arranged to meet for a drink.
They almost canceled due to exhaustion, but decided to go ahead. At a bar where patrons prepay with cash, Pete placed a large sum on the table, leading to a night of heavy drinking and deep conversation. Carmen learned Pete was recently single and didn't plan on having children. She surprised herself by confessing that all she ever wanted was to become a mother and feared becoming bitter without that experience. The night ended with them together in her hotel room.
The next morning, Carmen had to leave for Beijing with her bosses. Pete sneaked out, though she later discovered he was spotted. After her work obligations, she had a few free days and casually invited Pete to join her in Beijing. He flew there immediately.
They spent the weekend eating, drinking, and exploring the city. On the last night, sitting in the bay window of her hotel room overlooking Beijing's twinkling lights, the conversation returned to family. Out of nowhere, Pete said: “I’ve never wanted children, but I would have a baby with you.”
Stunned, Carmen played it cool, replying: “Yeah, maybe, let’s see.” She returned to London, he to Shanghai, but they stayed in touch. Carmen reflected that her independence likely made Pete comfortable enough to make such a statement. Despite its outlandishness, she sensed profound sincerity in his voice, which she believed would connect them for a long time.
Their relationship was a whirlwind, with frequent moves and professional demands. But from that conversation onward, Carmen felt an immense sense of security. Within 16 months, they had their first baby.
Twenty-one years later, they have navigated countless projects, moves, and raising two children. Carmen says there has been an unwavering sense of unity between them, a safety that makes her feel her strongest. When advising her teenagers about love, she emphasizes that despite occasional grumpiness with their dad, he has always made her feel like the best version of herself.
Carmen Pavlovic is the CEO of Global Creatures and producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, showing from 9 March to 4 April 2027 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
