Jake Speer will take the role made famous by Robin Williams in a stage musical. Photo: Facebook.
A Leeton-raised actor with deep ties to the Riverina is set to take on one of the most recognisable comedy roles of the past 30 years, cast in the lead role for Mrs Doubtfire the Musical, which opens at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre on 25 November.
The musical is based on the iconic 1993 film starring Robin Williams. It follows unemployed actor Daniel Hillard, who, after a messy divorce and losing custody of his children, disguises himself as an elderly, overweight female housekeeper to stay close to his family and keep tabs on his ex-wife’s handsome new suitor, played by Pierce Brosnan.
“Finding out I have been cast as iconically hilarious Euphegenia Doubtfire was honestly a dream come true,” Mr Speer said.
“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.
“As a musical theatre performer, you hope for a role that lets you sing, dance, make people laugh and have more costume changes than anyone else. Mrs Doubtfire ticks every box, and I can’t wait to step into that comfy cardigan.”
Jake Speer (red jacket) performed in and directed a concert to celebrate the re-opening of Leeton’s Roxy Theatre. Photo: Neil McAliece.
The 34-year-old was born and raised in Leeton and began pursuing his passion for performance while growing up in the town, attending Parkview Public School and St Francis de Sales Regional College, taking part in choir, singing, drama and community theatre.
He is best known to Australian television audiences for playing Oscar MacGuire on Home and Away between 2013 and 2016, but his career also includes producing, directing and extensive theatre work.
He has also continued to bring his professional experience and creative projects back to the Riverina.
His 2018 short film Inside Water, which he wrote and starred in, was filmed in the Leeton region and explored the impact of drought on a rural family.
More recently, Mr Speer has been involved with Lords of the Soil, a historical drama set in the Riverina and inspired by the region’s history and landscape.
He also returned to Leeton in 2025 to help celebrate the reopening of the revamped Roxy Theatre, directing and performing in a gala concert at the iconic venue.
Mr Speer previously told Region how he got his big break, when hosting a screen workshop in Griffith.
“Home and Away was a big surprise to me,” he said.
“It wasn’t something I ever thought I’d have the chance to be a part of. It came about as most jobs do for actors: a general audition. They were casting a group of new characters, so I was asked to audition alongside a whole group of actors. I actually auditioned for a completely different character before I had the chance to audition for Oscar, the role I ended up playing. There were about three or four rounds of auditions before I finally got the call that the part was mine.”
Jake Speer at Leeton High School for a rehearsal of Henry V. Photo: Supplied.
He also provided tips to Riverina performers seeking to make it big on the national stage.
“Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission. Grab the nearest, cheapest, most available camera you can find. Get your friends or family involved and go and make your movie. Use what is available to you: gear, people, location. Make it right now. Then, once you’ve made it, share it with the world: put it online, on social media or submit it to a festival. Then, once you’ve done that, make another one.”
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 25 November, before moving to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from March. Tickets to the Melbourne shows are now available online.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
