Multi-talented Deana Peher scoops pool (1991)

Deana Peher was the first female Entertainer of the Year in the 18-year history of the Queensland Variety Wallace Awards.

Deana carves her name into history books

On With the Show's Flashback to Variety Today 1991

By SHIRLEY BROUN

ATTRACTIVE and multi-talented performer Deana Peher has scooped the pool at the 18th Annual Wallace Awards in Brisbane and carved her own name into the entertainment history books at the same time.

As Deana stepped up on stage to accept her most prestigious award to date, The Wallace Award for Qld Entertainer of the Year, this talented songstress, dancer and actress, became the first female in the history of the Awards to win `the big one'. "I am just so happy," she said fighting back tears of joy as she accepted the award from special guest and chairman of the prestigious Sydney-based Australian Entertainment MO Awards, Ingrid Berg.

Overcome by emotion, Deana thanked her many peers, friends and family with a special thought for her late father who died before he could hear his `little girl' sing. "This is for Dad," she said, holding her award high.

On the same night, Deana was also voted Female Cabaret Performer of the Year and - together with her dancers Kerryn Hever, Leona Bailey and John Anderson who join her to make up `Deana Peher & Co' - was voted the Trio or Multi Performers of the Year.

In demand on screen

Deana's climb to be at the top of the entertainment ladder in her home state of Queensland, like many other fine performers before her, has been long and hard. While Deana maintains a hectic schedule with her cabaret performances, she is also in demand for roles in movies, television series and commercials.

She has enjoyed appearances on Channel Seven's `A Country Practice' and the now defunct `Sons and Daughters' as well as the movie `Hurricane Smith', filmed on the Gold Coast.

In Brisbane, Deana (dressed as a construction worker) was the face behind the Slip, Slop, Slap commercial and just last month, she shot a new television ad for a leading beer manufacturer. Deana also recently hit the silver screen in an Australian made drama entitled `I'm no Meryl Streep but I do enjoy it'.

There is no denying, Deana was born to be on stage - and she admits, it is there that she is happiest. Since the age of six, she has been treading the boards like a seasoned trouper, firstly as a member of a song and dance troupe called `Kids Incorporated' who performed in pantomimes, theatre and on their own TV show on Channel 10's `It's a Small World' hosted by former Sydney radio personality Grant Goldman.

She dabbled in modelling for a couple of years but soon realised her heart lay in cabaret. For five years (1980 to 1985) she danced in the `Birds of Paradise' ballet at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club before eventually deciding to add some vocals and go out on her own.

Mixing it with the stars

Deanna has since been support artist for many international greats including Max Bygraves and Peter Allen. Her cabaret show today is a glittering showcase of song and dance featuring personally choreographed action-packed routines and a vibrant cabaret style. She is also a regular featured artist in Ex-Wickety Wak star Greg Doolan's latest production show.

In April 1991, Deana released her first cassette called `Naturally' which features a wide spectrum of music from Mr Bojangles to Day Dream Believer and Donna Summer's Hot Stuff.

When it comes to ambitions, Deana has but two - to be a successful all-round entertainer, and to have people pronounce and spell her name correctly. And, if you were wondering, Deana's surname is pronounced `Pear-her' and spelt Peher. It's a name you should remember!

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