FORMER Millicent entertainer Euan Doidge was named as a finalist for a prestigious Helpmann Award for his role as Felicia in the stage version of the hit film Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Euan faced competition from three others for the accolade of “best actor in a musical”.
He would have learnt his fate last night when he attended the awards ceremony in Sydney.
The producers of Priscilla Queen of the Desert have extended their congratulations to Euan, as well as cast mate Robert Grubb, who received a nomination for “best male actor in a supporting role”.
Euan was nominated in this category in 2012 for his support role in A Chorus Line.
He told The Border Watch he felt overwhelmed by the nomination.
“To be nominated for an award as big as this is an absolute privilege,” Euan said.
“We all work so hard at what we do and not that any of us need to be rewarded, but to be recognised for something that we hold near and dear to us is pretty damn special.
“After Priscilla ends, a huge holiday is planned at this point.
“But you never know what the future may hold, I’m always ready for a new challenge.
“I always think the movie of Priscilla verses the stage version are two completely different things.
“Of course, Guy Pearce made that role famous because he was brilliant, but I think the role kind of brings out this mischievous school kid-like quality without even knowing.
“It’s all there in the script, I just try my best not laugh when I’m saying these hilarious one liners.”
Founded by Live Performance Australia in 2001, the awards honour the memory of Mount Gambier-born performer Sir Robert Helpmann.
The annual Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia’s vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, cabaret, regional touring, presentations for children, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre.
Meanwhile, Euan is heading to his home state next month to perform as Felicia at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
“It has been years since I have performed at the Festival Theatre, so I am very much looking forward to going back,” he said.
Euan landed his first major professional role, Paul San Marco, in the Australian production of A Chorus Line at the capital city venue in 2011.
He has since played key roles in such musicals as Anything Goes, Legally Blonde, Grease, Kinky Boots and Les Miserables.
His formative years were spent in Millicent, where he attended Millicent High School and Millicent North Primary School.
