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Peter Cousens: An Extensive Biography

Peter Cousens is a multifaceted artist, mentor, and educator whose career spans decades, blending exceptional talents in acting, singing, directing, producing, and teaching. With a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers and making a global impact through his artistry and advocacy, Peter Cousens’ contributions to the performing arts and beyond are unparalleled.

Career Highlights

 
Stage Career

Peter has performed with Australia’s major theatre companies, opera houses, and musical theatre productions. His iconic stage roles include:

  • The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (London’s West End, 1997/98)

  • Tony in West Side Story (1997)

  • Chris in Miss Saigon (1995/96)

  • Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Australian production, 1993/94)

  • Marius in Les Misérables (1988-1990)

  • Ravenal in Show Boat (Hal Prince’s production, 1999)

  • Alex in Aspects of Love (1992/93)

  • Bobby in Company (2000, Melbourne Theatre Company)

  • Motel in Fiddler on the Roof (1987)

  • Eddie in Blood Brothers (1988, alongside Russell Crowe)

  • The Celebrant in Bernstein’s Mass (1987)

He has worked extensively with organizations such as the Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company, and Opera Australia in productions including Macbeth, Measure for Measure, Nicholas Nickleby, The Mikado, and The Sentimental Bloke.

 
Television and Film

Peter’s on-screen contributions include leading roles in iconic Australian TV series and feature films:

  • Return to Eden (Dennis, 1985)

  • The Timeless Land (Patrick Manion, 1980)

  • Under Capricorn (1982)

  • The Sullivans, The Young Doctors, Phryne Fisher, and Cliffy

As a filmmaker, Peter directed the feature film Freedom (2014), starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and William Sadler, which enjoyed worldwide release.

 
Concerts and Cabarets

Peter’s exceptional voice has graced many iconic concert halls and events:

  • Sydney Carols in the Domain (1986-2003, recurring soloist)

  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Showstoppers (Principal Soloist, 2005)

  • Your Gonna Love Tomorrow at the Sydney Opera House (Principal Soloist, 1998)

  • Performances with the Rotary Gala Concert, Qantas Christmas Concert, and Premier’s Concerts

  • Solo concerts at venues like the Sydney Opera House, Geelong Concert Hall, and Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

  • International cruise performances aboard QE2 and Silver Seas Cruises

  • Cabaret shows including A Life on Earth and Encore Encore

 
Recordings

Peter’s rich discography includes solo albums, musical collaborations, and cast recordings:

  • Corner of the Sky (1994)

  • From a Distance (1996)

  • A Life on Earth (2002)

  • A Musical Christmas (2003)

  • Principal artist (Chris) on the International Symphonic Recording of Miss Saigon (1996)

  • Guest artist on Marina Prior’s debut album (1993)

  • The Hatpin Cast Recording (2008, Neil Gooding Productions)

  • Are We There Yet? and Are We Nearly There Yet? (1996, Children’s Albums)

 

Producer and Director

Peter’s work behind the scenes is equally impressive:

  • Productions:

    • Pippin, Company, Little Women, Songs for a New World (2007-2008, Kookaburra)

    • An Audience with Stephen Sondheim (2007, ABC and FOXTEL)

    • The Noel Coward Letters (2008)

  • Film Direction:

    • Freedom (2014)

    • Where is Daniel? (in development)

    • The Right Path

    • Digital Victoriana

 

Mentorship and Teaching

Peter is a passionate educator and mentor who fosters the development of emerging talent:

  • Artistic Director of the Talent Development Project (TDP), where he mentors young artists toward professional careers.

  • Creator of Music and Memories, a project pairing young singer-songwriters with dementia patients to create personalized songs for families (www.musicandmemories.store).

  • Teacher at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

  • Guest speaker, tutor, and artist-in-residence at institutions including NIDA, Australian Institute of Music, and University of Wollongong.

 

Advocacy and Leadership

Peter’s contributions extend beyond the arts. He is:

  • Ambassador for Neurological Research Australia (NeuRA)

  • Patron of Freedom Hub, supporting survivors of modern slavery

  • Australia Day Ambassador

  • Advocate for Destiny Rescue and the White Ribbon Campaign

 

Awards and Recognition

Peter’s exceptional career has been recognized with numerous honors:

  • Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (2018) for services to theatre and the community

  • Variety Heart Award for Musical Theatre (1996)

  • Glugs Award for Services to Theatre (2009)

  • Seven MO Award nominations

 

Academic Achievements

  • Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) – NIDA (1978)

  • Master of Arts (Creative Writing) – Central Queensland University (2018)\

  • Certificate IV

  • Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at Canberra University

 

Legacy and Impact

Peter Cousens is more than an artist—he is a visionary whose work inspires performers, students, and audiences alike. From starring in world-renowned musicals to mentoring the next generation and advocating for social change, his legacy is a testament to creativity, compassion, and dedication.

 

Concert Performances

Sydney Carols in the Domain

  • Soloist (1986/89/92/95/96/98/03)

Brisbane Expo 1988

  • Principal Soloist with the National Arts Orchestra in tribute to Irving Berlin

Key Performances in Major Venues:

  • Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (1999)

  • Geelong Concert Hall (1999)

  • Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith (1999)

  • Dianne Cilento’s Karnak, Port Douglas (1999)

  • Showstoppers with Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Principal Soloist, 2005)

  • Queensland Performing Arts Trust (QPAC) Christmas Concert (Principal Soloist, 1999)

  • Gala Performances at Orange Entertainment Centre, Coonamble Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall, and St Mary’s Crypt (Various)

 

Cabaret Performances

Peter’s cabaret work includes national tours and intimate performances:

  • One-Man Show: "A Life on Earth" (1999-2008, performed across venues in Australia and international cruise ships)

  • Encore Encore (1999, Canberra Casino and QE2 Ship)

  • Headline acts at major RSL clubs and theaters (1996-2008)

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Teaching and Academic Roles

  • NIDA Summer Schools (1996)

  • Tutor for 2nd and 3rd Year students at NIDA (1999)

  • Artist-in-Residence at the Australian Institute of Music (2009)

  • Visiting Fellow, University of Wollongong Creative Arts Department (2003)

  • Lecturer Central Queensland University Conservatorium (2021 - 2022)

  • Singing/Performance Teacher, Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney      (2022- present)

 

Positions Held

  • Artistic Director of Talent Development Project (TDP) (current),

  • Artistic Director, and CEO of Kookaburra: The National Musical Theatre Company (2006-2008)

  • Associate Adjunct Professor at Central Queensland University (2012 -2019)

 

Community and Advocacy

  • Ambassador for Neurological Research Australia (NeuRA)

  • Patron of the Freedom Hub

  • White Ribbon Campaign and Destiny Rescue advocate

  • Australia Day Ambassador (1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002- 2025)​

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