"Of course, I've been an international star for many, many years, and these actresses, they were international stars," she said.
"I think mentally I can probably do this role and bring something to it which is very much my own."
Sarah Brightman feels an affinity with the role of Norma Desmond. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
A legend of the silent film era, Norma Desmond has been forgotten by Hollywood and longs to return to the glory of the big screen, and begins a volatile relationship with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis.
The new production, currently in preview performances in Melbourne, is the musical's first run in Australia for decades - the role of Joe Gillis was last played by Hugh Jackman in 1996.
There are other ways in which Brightman is linked to Sunset Boulevard - the score is by her ex-husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber, so she is more than familiar with the music.
"He did actually say to me that a lot of it was written on my voice because he was composing all the time... so sometimes when I'm singing it, I can feel my voice is already in it," she told reporters on Thursday.
Tim Draxl says the role has been both terrifying and exhilarating. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Tim Draxl, playing Joe Gillis, was familiar with the legend of Jackman in the role, and was initially daunted by the amount of singing.
"When I first listened to the whole score after they offered it to me I went, 'Oh my God, how am I going to do this?'," he told reporters.
"It's been terrifying getting here but also incredibly exhilarating. I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment and very proud of this production."
The lavish production plays up the Hollywood golden age glamour, and its exploration of the need to be loved and affirmed was perhaps more relevant now than ever, said director Paul Warwick Griffin.
Sunset Boulevard is playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne and is heading to the Sydney Opera House from August 28.
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