In a long and glittering musical theatre career, Rob Mills says he’s only ever truly hoped for two roles.

The first was Prince Fiyero in Wicked , the himbo-turned-revolutionary love interest for both female leads. Mills originated the Australian role in the 2009 production, dancing through life and into the hearts of the nation’s musical theatre fans.

The second, he says, is that of Dr Jim Pomatter, the gynaecologist and love interest – yes, you read that correctly – of the titular pregnant pie baker in Sara Bareilles’ Waitress . He saw the original Broadway cast on a New York holiday 10 years ago and was smitten.

“I like to go see shows when I’m over there, it’s always like, ‘Could I be in any of these?’ And I saw Waitress , and I just fell in love with it,” Mills says. “It’s funny.…