The shadows of Scott Robinson and Joseph loom large over Jason Donovan, but he says he’s happy with life.
The former Neighbours star admits he’d love to tackle some serious TV drama roles, but feels producers in the UK can’t see past his famous early stage and screen appearances.
“I’m not suggesting I’m unhappy with my profile. I have a great life and I still love what I do,” the 45-year-old insists. But it’s hard for people to look at me in a different light due to Neighbours and Joseph. Yet I don’t want to live in the past. It’s a dilemma. That’s why shows like Strictly and I’m a Celebrity are good, because they show a different side.”
Jason is certainly showing another side in his role as Tick in the stage musical version of hit Australian film, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. He plays a drag queen travelling across Australia with two friends in the uplifting story.
“It’s a great show with a brilliant script, although it is exhausting,” he says. “I was offered the film but turned it down. I had just finished Joseph and I’d a lot going on. In hindsight I should’ve done it. Just look at where Guy Pearce (who did star in the film) is these days.”
Jason first starred in Priscilla when it made its West End debut in 2006 but now he has a young family he cherry-picks which dates on the tour he wants to perform.
“I’ll always pick the Scottish dates,” he smiles. “I’m looking forward to Glasgow.”
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is at the King’s Theatre until June 29.
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