It's February and David Atkins stands atop a small stage in the foyer of Sydney's Lyric Theatre addressing a sea of "group bookers" who've descended upon the media launch of Hot Shoe Shuffle. The rapport he has with this audience is palpable. You can tell this boy from Oz has firmly cemented his place in the theatrical hearts of this captive crowd. But then, way before Atkins (now an OAM - awarded in 2003 for services to the entertainment industry) or his company, David Atkins Enterprises (DAE) was known for producing high profile live events, this audience had already defined him as one of Australia's leading musical theatre artists. Certainly at this event you could see that their love of him hasn't waned in the 15 years since he's performed.
After a hiatus that many might have presumed marked the end of his performing career, Atkins is returning to the stage, taking the role of Max in Hot Shoe Shuffle. It opened in Brisbane just over a week ago and will continue till May 25 before moving to Sydney on July 5 followed by Melbourne on August 9. . . .
This is an extract from an article by Sally Clark in the June/July issue of Dance Australia. Don't miss it - subscribe now!
David Atkins
