FROM SOAP TO MUD

The huge international success of Natalie Imbruglia’s debut album, “Left of the Middle,” has been achieved despite the fact her live appearances have been limited to a handful of music industry showcases in her native Australia.

However, Imbruglia is diving straight into the deep end as a live attraction by playing one of Europe’s major outdoor events, the Heineken Jamming Festival in Imola, Italy, on June 21. She is then set to make her British live debut in London’s Hyde Park on July 5 at the Prince’s Trust Party--a massive benefit show for a charity headed by Prince Charles, aimed at helping Britain’s unemployed youth. She has also lined up appearances at a couple of Britain’s leading rock festivals.

You might think that Imbruglia would find the prospect intimidating, but the former soap star insists, “Nerves are good! Anything that’s new is scary, especially something like that; but I really want to have it under my belt.

“In Melbourne, I played in front of really close friends who’d never heard me sing. I think playing in front of thousands of people is probably going to be easier.”

Imbruglia, whose album has taken off thanks to the hit single “Torn,” may tour the U.S. as early as this fall.