1999 saw Darren cast as "Richie Cunningham" in the World Premiere Arena Mega Musical “Happy Days” presented by Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, which toured Australia extensively.
In January 2001 Darren was awarded his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia. This same year Darren hosted Foxtel’s top rating television show "Out & About - The Great Aussie Pub Tour" and made a guest appearance on the award winning Channel 7 drama "All Saints".
Darren was cast to play the dual role of "Teen Angel" and "Vince Fontaine" in "Grease - The Mega Musical" presented by SEL & Gordon Frost Organisation, which toured Australia in the "Big Top" throughout 2001-2002.
Darren followed this up with the national “Big Top” tour of "Shout - the musical of the Wild One", presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles including 'Col Joye'.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Darren was awarded the ‘Centenary Medal’ – ‘For Services to Australian Society’ in 2003. This same year, he released his second album, "Balancing Act", for which he was awarded ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’.
He made another two guest appearances on the award winning Channel 7 drama, “All Saints” in 2004/05 and understudied John Farnham as Teen Angel in “Grease - The Arena Spectacular”, presented by SEL & GFO.
Early in 2008 Darren played the lead role in the world premiere production of John Williamson’s musical Quambatook. This same year, he released his fourth album, ‘WAR STORIES’, for which he was awarded his second Golden Guitar at the 37th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia for “Heritage Song Of The Year”, 2009.
Darren is delighted to be starring in his new production of “Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story” and says; “I have been a huge fan of Cat Stevens music from a young age and it is indeed a great privilege to perform his songs and to tell his story. I consider it a tremendous responsibility to do justice to the man, his music, and his fans.”
www.peace-train.com.au
www.darrencoggan.com
