Director David Atkins intent on moving from Manly
He might have only bought it a year ago, but Australia's most awarded producer, choreographer and director David Atkins is already intent on shuffling on from his Manly family home.
He paid $5.4 million last July for the grand 1908 family residence that has been listed for August 20 auction.
Atkins and Elli married early last year at the Whale Beach hotspot, Jonah's in a wedding that featured passing light plane with a banner reading 'I love you 1000 kisses deep.'
The five bedroom home sits on the private 903 sqm parcel with landscaped gardens designed by Annie Wilkes including lawn lined with Manchurian pear trees. There's views of the harbour from the entertaining terrace and the numerous balconies.
The agents, RED property agents Richard Davies and Luke Newby know the property having marketed it when last sold. But they aren't confirming $6 million plus hopes.
Atkins created and performed in one of the first successful Australian musicals, Hot Shoe Shuffle, in 1993. The production later transferred to London's Queen's Theatre.
He has starred in, produced, directed, choreographed and created more than 20 musicals in Australia, Britain, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Atkins is best remembered for his work on the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
His contribution to the Australian events industry earned him a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2003.
He also worked on the Ceremonies of the Doha 2006 Asian Games, the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, where the Opening Ceremony earned three Emmy Awards.
When Atkins struck out on his own as a producer, he risked his own money – at one stage mortgaging his house – and then had to ride out the shows' successes or failures, of which he's had both.
Atkins, who runs David Atkins Enterprises in Manly, had previously sold in Collaroy where he secured $2.65 million last December.
He was previously married to the ballet dancer Sheree da Costa, and they had two sons, Tobi, who is a musician, and Joey, an aspiring actor. David and Elli are also parents.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
