STANDING centre-stage amidst the glitter and razzle dazzle of one of Australia’s most successful homegrown musicals is Millicent’s own Euan Doidge.
The 24-year-old returned to South Australian soil last weekend to “shake his groove thing” as Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Euan said he was excited to return to his home state and perform in front of family and friends.
“I love coming back to South Australia,” he said.
“I do not get home often, but when I do it is the perfect amount of downtime and social time.
“My family are absolutely coming to watch me perform, and half of Mount Gambier along with them.”
Euan added having a break between shows brought a new energy to the stage.
“We do not rehearse the show once we open the production in our first major city,” he said.
“However, we do tech the show a few days before the next city’s opening night performance.
“It is always fun coming back to the show after a few weeks off and I think Adelaide will love it.”
With such a busy and jam-packed schedule while touring, Euan only has one day off a week.
When he is not rehearsing or performing, he enjoys spending his free time sleeping, eating and keeping fit, as well as catching up with family and friends.
Sharing such a strong bond with his family, Euan found it particularly special to share his experience at this year’s Helmpann Awards with his mother Alice and sisters Rewa and Hope.
“The Helpmann Awards was a very special experience and having my family there was a highlight for sure,” he said.
“Award ceremonies can be so hectic and normally I do not get to spend much time with my family at these events.
“This year was particularly wonderful and I got to have them all to myself, which was nice.”
He said his nomination for the Helpmann was the highlight of his career for 2018, as well as Priscilla’s opening show in Melbourne.
“Receiving a nomination for best male actor was the main highlight for sure,” he said.
“The lead-up and rehearsal period for Priscilla was also really enjoyable.
“Australia adores the show and it is so wonderful to see.
“The response has been so positive and people have been so kind in sharing their experiences with us when they come to the show.”
As for future aspirations, Euan hopes for nothing more than happiness and constant development in all aspects of his life, believing there is always so much to learn, which excites him.
However, in the meantime he plans to catch up on “plenty of sleep” when the show finishes.
Priscilla will wrap up its tours and close its curtains in October this year.
Based on the Oscar-winning film, the musical follows the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime.
Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.
Adelaide will host the iconic musical at the Festival Theatre until Saturday, September 15.
