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Peter Cousens is a creative force—a mentor, actor, singer, producer, director, and educator whose career spans continents and decades. Known for nurturing emerging talent and inspiring contemporary singer-songwriters and performers, Peter’s contributions to stage, screen, and the creative development of others have left an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.

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Peter has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages. In 1997/98, he captivated audiences as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on London’s West End, delivering a performance that defined his remarkable stage presence. Sharing the spotlight with luminaries like Russell Crowe in Blood Brothers and the legendary Richard Harris in Camelot, Peter’s extensive career features starring roles in musicals across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

His iconic musical theatre roles include:

• Tony in West Side Story

• Alex in Aspects of Love

• Chris in Miss Saigon

• Raoul in the Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera

• Marius in Les Misérables

• Ravenal in Hal Prince’s Show Boat

• Bobby in Company

• Eddie in Blood Brothers

• Anthony and Tobias in Sweeney Todd

• Nanki Poo in The Mikado

 

Peter’s versatility shines in dramatic theatre, with credits in major productions by Australia’s leading theatre companies, including the Sydney Theatre Company - Nicholas Nickleby, Chinchilla, Hamlet, Macbeth, Measure for Measure, the Melbourne Theatre Company - Company), Royal Queensland Theatre Company - Camille, Breaker Morant, You Never Can Tell, Sentimental Bloke. The Paris Letter, and Out of Joint (UK) - The Convicts Opera.

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On screen, Peter’s series television credits include roles in Phryne Fisher, Return to Eden, Under Capricorn, The Timeless Land, The Sullivans, Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, Carson's Law, and  The Divorce. He appears in the feature films Cliffy and Freedom.

Peter showcased his storytelling prowess behind the camera by directing the feature film FREEDOM, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and William Sadler. This historical drama, enjoyed global release in 2014.

He wrote and directed The Right Path for Mick Miller (2019) and Digital Victoriana for the St Paul's College Union (2021).

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Peter’s passion for fostering talent extends to his role as Artistic Director of the Talent Development Project (TDP). Through TDP, he mentors young performers and nurtures their creative imagination, guiding them toward professional careers in music and theatre. One of his most powerful initiatives is Music and Memories, which pairs young singer-songwriters with dementia patients to create personalized songs that capture the essence of their lives. These gifts are treasured by patients and their families. Learn more about this project at www.musicandmemories.store.

A graduate of the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Peter also is on staff at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he teachers singing and performance. He holds a Master of Arts (Creative Writing) from Central Queensland University and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at Canberra University.

 

​ He is an Ambassador for Neurological Research Australia (NeuRA) and a Patron of Freedom Hub, an organization supporting survivors of modern slavery. As an Australia Day Ambassador, Peter promotes unity and celebration across the country.

His leadership in education and the arts has also earned him the role of Artistic Ambassador for Central Queensland University, where he helps bridge academia and performance artistry.

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In recognition of his contributions to theatre and the community, Peter was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018. His accolades include the Variety Heart Award for Best Performer for Miss Saigon, seven MO Award nominations, and the Glug Award for Services to Theatre.

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Whether performing on stage, directing films, mentoring emerging talent, or championing meaningful causes, Peter Cousens continues to inspire and uplift audiences and communities worldwide. His creativity, leadership, and compassion ensure that his legacy will resonate far beyond the spotlight.

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Detailed Biography

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