Jason Donovan: Why I’m so proud of my new role

He’s been a star on Ramsay Street and taken on the Strictly dance floor but Jason Donovan says his latest role is one of his proudest.
Jason Donovan (Lionel Logue) with  Raymond Coulthard (King George VI). Picture by Hugo GlendinningJason Donovan (Lionel Logue) with  Raymond Coulthard (King George VI). Picture by Hugo Glendinning
Jason Donovan (Lionel Logue) with Raymond Coulthard (King George VI). Picture by Hugo Glendinning

The former Neighbours actor appears in the stage adaptation of The Kings Speech, which comes to Milton Keynes Theatre starting on Tuesday,

It is based on the true and heart-warming story of King George VI who never expected to be in the public eye let alone lead his country in time of war.

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However with the help of a colourful Aussie ex-actor, he overcame a debilitating affliction and guided this nation through its darkest hour.

Speaking about his role as Lionel Logue, Jason said: “My character tries to understand how to work around the kings disability. He tries to solve the problem psychologically rather than being a doctor.

“It was a project that I knew was happening and wanted to be a part of. You say this and you have to hope it happens, but fortunately it did.

“I am really proud of this role at the moment out of the ones that I have done.”

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“We have been getting really strong audiences who are loving the show. It is a very warm play and is all about friendships and relationships and I think that’s why the audience really likes it.”

The actor and singer has done many things throughout his career but for a whole generation he will always be Scott Robinson alongside Kylie Minogue’s Charlene on Neighbours.

He said: “I think it is one of those parts that there is a lot more warmth from the people who watched me on the show rather than me looking back at it.

“However it has led to many fantastic things and lead to so many fantastic opportunities so I would not have changed taking it on for the world. I am very grateful to Neighbours.”

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For a man so closely associated with musical theatre roles, it may come as a surprise that perhaps it is a different medium he would like to find more work in.

Jason added: “I have children and a wife and so a lot of the time you have to take opportunities that are available.

“Having said that, if there was a chance to do a television series such as House of Cards or Breaking Bad then I would jump at the chance.”

He also in 2011 came third on Strictly Come Dancing which is an experience he also enjoyed.

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Jason said: “It was the area that I felt I was always the weakest and that doing Strictly was a great way to improve my dancing.

“It was a very intense show but one that I really enjoyed doing.”

The Kings Speech is performed from Tuesday, May 4, to Saturday, May 9.

Tickets for the show cost between £10 and £29.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 0844 871 7652 or by visiting www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.