Singer and actor Rob Mills has had his fare share of career ups and downs, but he says it’s a tough industry so you have to keep your head up.
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The 35-year-old is heading to Wollongong with a flock of London’s West End performers in a show paying homage to some of the iconic songs from the golden age of Hollywood.
Puttin’ On The Ritz brings to life the music of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin and will play at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre for two shows on September 21 – one show already sold out.
The spotlight first shone on Mills in 2003 as a finalist in Australian Idol before being picked up for hit musicals such as Grease, Wicked and Legally Blonde, along with acting stints on the small screen.
Like any entertainer there comes countless auditions in between productions and often rejections – such as a coveted role in Hairspray he missed.
“Maybe you weren’t right for it, or maybe you didn’t prepare enough, or maybe it’s not meant to be and there’s something else around the corner for you - always try to stay positive,” Mills said.
We have the talent in our country and we have the smarts, we just don’t have the government backing in the arts.
- Rob Mills
Recently Mills picked up a role on popular soap Neighbours as Erinsborough teacher Finn Kelly, whose out to steal the principal’s job.
“He’s got a bit of a bad boy persona which is great because I’m always playing the nice guy,” he said.
“We finished filming a little while ago, it was ‘thanks very much we love your work, but we never say never at Ramsay Street’.”
Regardless of the let-downs Mills said he loved the close-knit “family” of the entertainment industry as everyone gets to know each other and is supportive.
“We all go and watch other peoples shows … of course we’re always critiquing and wonder why we didn’t get the role ourselves but I think it’s a very supportive and beautiful family,” Mills said.
During his brief visit to Wollongong he hopes to organise some coaching with a local drama school as mentoring has become a passion.
“I love anyone who’s striving to make it in this industry. I know there’s some great teachers [in Wollongong] and a pretty good theatre scene,” he said.
“It is a hard industry to crack, but if you put the work in and you want it bad enough, there’s definitely room for you.”
Meantime, Mills said he can’t understand why Australia’s entertainment industry looks to America for guidance.
“We have the talent in our country and we have the smarts, we just don’t have the government backing in the arts,” he said.
“If we had more funding in the arts we would thrive, the talent is certainly here.”
Puttin' On The Ritz coming to the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre September 21. Tickets through www.merrigong.com.au