Aussie Jason Donovan tells EMMA DUNN how he’s ready to put his glitter make-up away...

HE MAY be on the last legs of his role in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, but fear not, Jason Donovan fans – this Aussie actor has no plans to stop performing yet.

The former Neighbours star has played drag queen Tick in the flamboyant stage show, which will be at New Theatre Oxford from April 1 to April 5, for a year and a half.

But in May, he will take to the stage in a very different role, playing dashing womaniser Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun.

“Priscilla is essentially about a bunch of misfits, which is what we sort of all are. The story is told through the eyes of my character, who is gay but has a son and a wife,” said Jason.

“Tick is a great character to play and Priscilla is a great show. It’s like a pop concert and we have had an incredible reaction all over the country. We have already been to Oxford, and it’s very popular there so we are coming back.

“It’s a wonderful show and it’s a great marriage between the show and myself. There aren’t too many of those that come along.

“But I have been playing Tick for a year-and-a-half and I am ready now to put him to bed.”

Winner of four WhatsOnStage.com awards, including Best New Musical, and based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship. The show includes a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dance floor favourites, including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife.

Jason originated the role of Tick in the West End, and the show has since been touring the country. But now the 45-year-old, who has also starred in The Rocky Horror Show, The Sound of Music, and, of course, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, is looking forward to starting his new role in Annie Get Your Gun.

“It’s a very different character but I like a challenge,” said the married father-of-three. “I’m match-fit at the moment with Priscilla and I feel like I can meet that challenge. For me, it seemed like a logical progression to do something different but keep with the musical theme.

“I would love to do more television and more film. But I go where the work is and, with three children, it’s expensive.

“I will pursue other areas because I don’t want to just be a musical theatre star, but if that is where I can earn good money and get job satisfaction I can certainly think of worse ways to spend your day and your career.

“I love performing. I love the audience and I love that direct response. The only thing I don’t enjoy are matinees and performing two shows a day.”

Jason will be in the performances of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Oxford New Theatre on April 3 to April 5, while former Hear’Say singer Noel Sullivan will play the role of Tick on April 1 and April 2.

“Priscilla has great songs and a great story. It’s a celebration of life,” said Jason. “It’s a modern musical. It’s not Phantom of the Opera, that’s for sure.”

For tickets to see the show at Oxford New Theatre visit www.atgtickets.com/oxford or phone 0844 871 3020.