Philip graduated from NIDA (National Institute for Dramatic art). After that, he performed for two years with the South Australian Theatre Company appearing in:- The Mystery Plays of Wakefield as Adam, On The Wallaby, No End of Blame, The Threepenny Opera as the Narrator,
In 1987, Philip performed in the role he is probably most well known for. He was Javert in the original Australian cast of Les Misérables in Sydney and New Zealand. His performance was so successful that in 1989, he travelled to London to play the same role in the West End production. He can be heard on the Complete Symphonic Recording, the Manchester Highlights recording and the Tenth Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Philip next played the coveted role of George in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park With George in the UK. He won an Olivier Award for this difficult role. Other credits in the West End include:- Mike Batt’s The Hunting of the Snark, recreating the role he first performed in the Australian concert version of the show.
Philip returned to Australia in 1993, playing the Wolf and Cinderalla’s Prince in Stephen Sondheim’s Into The woods and Aufidus in Gale Edwards’ production of Coriolanus. Gale Edwards also directed him as Dunois in Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan in the West End and on UK tour.
In 1995-6 he spent two seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing as Fred/Chorus in A Christmas Carol and the King of Navarre in Love’s Labours Lost in the first season. Before returning for a second season, he spent some time back in Australia, performing in The Secret Garden as Dr. Neville Craven, along with Anthony Warlow and Marina Prior. After this play, he once again flew back to England for his second season at the RSC. On this season he performed in, The White Devil as Lodovico, Macbeth as Banquo, and Troilus and Cressida as Achilles.
Philip also performed as Grahame in The Fix at the Donmar Warehouse.
His television credits include: Brides of Christ as Ian McGregor, The Damnation of Harvey McHugh as the minister, Patrol Boat, Police rescue, Colour In The Creek, Flight Into Hell, Cassidy and Fields of Fire, Army Wives, and The First Kangaroos. He has also appeared in movies such as Emoh Rue and Around the World in 80 Ways.
Philip performed in Once In A Blue Moon - a celebration of Australian musicals, singing “The Unknown Soldier” and “Once in a Blue Moon”. HE is an avid supporter and performer of ABC’s children’s show Play School. In the UK he has featured in All Good Friends, The Governor II as well as appearing in various concerts including The Night of a Thousand Voices as the Royal Albert Hall and Hey Mr. Producer! a concert held in celebration of Cameron Mackintosh.
AWARDS
1988 Sydney Critic’s Award – Les Misérables