Despite proving himself in the world of pop music, television and music theatre, the performer has amassed 12 years of reviews revolving around the notion that considering he is the larrikin from Australian Idol, his performance is surprisingly good.

“I’ve been hearing it for years. The first time I remember thinking, yeah okay. I suppose you have a preconceived idea of who I am because of a show I did in 2003 so I get it,” the entertainer said.

“When I watch the Idol footage back I even think, yes I was a rubbish singer who was a bit of a loud mouth. But I have definitely improved since then and I’ll give myself a pat on the back for that.”

Millsy’s one-man show Rob Mills is...Surprisingly Good is about breaking down the stereotypes and preconceived notions that Australians may currently have about the Aussie performer.

Set to be staged as part of the Ballarat Cabaret Festival, the production is an eclectic mix of music and stories performed in an intimate setting and with a cracking band and the self-deprecating humour we have learned to associate with Millsy.

“Without having to spell it out, the show takes people on a journey of me finding my own voice and being grateful for being where I am,” he said.

“Things change and I grow up and as much as I want to be Peter Pan, I have evolved since 12 years ago when I was in Idol.”

Musically, the show is as unpredictable as him, covering artists as far reaching as Taylor Swift, Gavin DeGraw and John Farnham, as well as hits from several of the musicals he has, and hasn’t, appeared in including The Last Five Years, Avenue Q, and Wicked.

Millsy said the show revealed his cheeky personality as well as his skills as an actor and singer which he had proven through his extensive music theatre career. 

“I wanted to put something out there which showcased great songs that I really like but also told my life story through song and dance. I’ll be able to talk about the good bits and about being able to bear the hard times as well.”

Rob Mills is...Surprisingly Good will be held on Sunday, October 11 at 8pm at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. Tickets cost $28.

For more information and tickets, visit www.ballaratcabaret.com or call 5333 5888.