Jake Speer has been cast in the dual role of Daniel Hillard and his alter ego, Euphegenia Doubtfire, in the upcoming Australian live musical tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire”.
The feelgood comedy musical is based on the 1993 film starring Robin Williams and follows out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard, who creates the identity of a Scottish nanny after losing custody of his children in a messy divorce.
“Finding out I have been cast as iconically hilarious Euphegenia Doubtfire was honestly a dream come true. It’s a story that makes people laugh but at its heart it’s about love, family and going to extraordinary lengths for the people you care about. It will be such an incredible privilege to bring one of the most beloved characters ever created to the stage,” said Speer.
“As a musical theatre performer, you hope for a role that lets you sing, dance, make people laugh and have more costumes changes than anyone else. Mrs. Doubtfire ticks every box and I can’t wait to step into that comfy cardigan!” he added.
Speer is best known to television audiences for playing Oscar MacGuire on Seven Network’s “Home and Away” for three years.
His stage credits include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Timon of Athens” for Sport For Jove; “Catch Me If You Can” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at The Hayes Theatre; “Kinky Boots the Musical” for Michael Cassel Group; and “Henry V” for Kensington House Entertainment.
“Jake had us from ‘Helloooo’. He was hilarious, effortlessly charming and brought so much heart to the room – a rare combination of talent. We knew straight away that we had found Australia’s new favourite nanny,” said Suzanne Jones, producer and CEO of JONES Theatrical Group.
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The production will feature moments from the original film alongside new songs and dance numbers. It will be directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks.
Zaks most recently directed his 26th Broadway production, “The Music Man” starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. His other recent productions include the Tony Award-winning production of “Hello, Dolly!”, Steve Martin’s “Meteor Shower” and “A Bronx Tale”.
The director has received four Tony Awards from eight nominations, four Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and an Obie. His film directing credits include “Marvin’s Room”, starring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton, and “Who Do You Love?”
The “Mrs. Doubtfire” musical played to sell-out crowds in London’s West End for almost two years and has also had a Broadway season and tours across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Brazil. A UK tour is due to begin in August.
The Australian season will begin at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in November this year, before moving to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from March 2027. Tickets on sale now via www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.com.au.
Further casting details for the Australian production will be announced in the coming months.