LIAM’S SWINGING MUSICAL DEBUT
GOLD Coast performer Liam Peel didn’t only land his first professional stage musical role in the awardwinning hit Kinky Boots – he landed 12 of them.
A former A.B. Paterson College student, Peel, 22, studied performing arts at ED5International in Sydney before heading to sea to sing and dance for Royal Princess Cruises.
He returned to shore in time to audition for and land a gig as a ‘swing’ performer in Kinky Boots,
currently playing the Lyric Theatre at QPAC, in Brisbane, until October 22 after sellout seasons in Melbourne and Sydney.
“I’m swing for Lola’s Angels and all the ensemble factory workers as well,” the Mermaid Waters performer said.
“They kind of threw me in the deep end but it’s been an incredible learning experience about musical theatre,” he said.
“I just had to find my way. I had a swing class for two weeks when I was studying in Sydney but that covered about two people. Now I cover 12.
“Even back then, I thought I’m so bad at this, I’m never going to be a swing. I had many a sleepless night.”
Peel also had to learn not only to walk but dance in stilettos for Kinky Boots,
which includes swanky anthem Sex is in the Heel.
“The first time I ever put on heels was for the audition – now I can do back handsprings in them,” he said.
While the sky’s now the limit for Peel when it comes to future roles, he says he’s happy performing in the ensemble for Kinky Boots – a show that’s message is be who you want to be. For Peel, at least for now, that’s not the leading man.
“I’m more of a dancer than a singer – I’m happy to ensemble. I love it so much,” he says.