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It was a role made famous by Guy Pearce, now Euan Doidge is rising to the challenge of playing the beloved Felicia in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert
From roles such as Angel in Kinky Boots and Marius in Les Miserables as the beloved Euan Doidge is now all frocked up Miserables, Desert The Musical. Priscilla: Queen of the Felicia in
FROM the tender age of 17, bona fide star Euan Doidge has been stealing hearts on stages across Australia.
Having been immersed in the theatre-sphere for 14 years, Doidge has earnt not only hundreds of standing ovations but also a Helpmann Award nomination.
From roles in a little Northampton factory as an Angel in Kinky Boots, to one of the most sought-after roles of all time, Marius in Les Miserables.
Now, Doidge is all frocked up starring as the beloved Felicia in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert at QPAC in Brisbane, giving even Guy Pearce a run for his money.
Doidge said his character was a perfect fit for him despite their difference in journeys.
“I love Felicia, it was a chance for me to be a bit naughty and cheeky and have absolutely no inhibitions,” he said.
“People enjoy those characters.
“With playing Felicia, it was about finding her hurt, anger, love and humour that made it so easy to become.
“I indulge in the moments that I am Felicia, but the journey she has gone on is completely different.
“I had the best support team that I could ask for growing up. My family were, and are, so encouraging, but even when my teachers would say ‘what happens if it (performing) doesn’t work out, what will you do then?’ I used to say that I’ll make it work and no matter what I will get there – I never doubted performing for one second.”
Doidge said that he was nervous about stepping into the heels of such different characters but he was excited for the new challenge.
“Shows like Priscilla and Kinky Boots were so out of my comfort zone and so nerveracking, but also the most appealing for me,” he said.
“When I went into Priscilla, the idea of performing every day in drag with female clothing, make-up and heels was so foreign to me.
“I love doing the things I have never done before.”
This sensationally camp musical will have your heart skipping beats from start-tofinish, taking you through every emotion with hits such as I Love the Night-life, Finally, It’s Raining Men, and I Will Survive.
But while it boasts a cast full of theatre legends including David Harris and the Tonyaward nominated Tony Sheldon, the character that has you captivated from the moment he walks on is Miss Understanding, played by Blake Appelqvist.
The Melbourne city-slicker, who has taken Australian stages by storm, will be one to keep an eye on — with the legs, pipes and a personality tailored for Broadway.
Priscilla: Queen of the Desert is the kind of show where you come out feeling more than you did when you walked in.
It reflects on many social issues that we don’t often see in mainstream media, but it is done in such a masterful way that you’re mood is not changed but your heart has been touched.
In saying that, the musical shows all of Australia’s blemishes and doesn’t shy away from political incorrectness.
Produced by the fabulous Michael Cassel Group, responsible for bringing absolutely everything and anything good to Australia, it gave us a night full of an utterly infectious score of perky pop songs, spectacular costumes and a cast to die for.