The Musical Theatre Tag

It's fair to say that musicals are a massive part of both of our lives. We talk about musical theatre pretty much every day and it's practically the only music we listen to. So we thought it was about time to share our love for all things musical and decided to do the Musical Theatre Tag - and it's a cool way to find out more about us! 

1. What was the first musical you ever saw?

Bertie: I started going to local AmDram productions when I was very very little, but my first West End show was either Billy Elliot or Mamma Mia, none of my family can remember. Either way, absolute classics.

Callum: Wicked on the 29th December 2006. I remember it vividly. It was my first ever trip to London and it was just the most magical experience. I was there with my theatre group and afterwards Martin Ball (Dr Dillamond) gave a talk about the industry and was later joined by Idina Menzel who wanted to say hi to us. I've never forgotten it. 

A relic of a programme from 2005

2. What was your favourite musical growing up?

B: Singing In The Rain. I used to dance around my grandparents garden singing the titular number whilst they sprayed me with a hose so I could pretend it was raining.

C: Probably Annie or The Sound of Music. 

3. Were you ever in a musical?

B: I was in a few compulsory primary school productions but never anything serious! I did get the starring role of the colour 'Green' in Joseph though, so...

C: I was in a few showcases at school and was part of the choir in Joseph. I was later in a charming local musical called The King with Cold Feet at the Whitley Bay Playhouse. Still waiting for a transfer to the West End.   

4. What was the first musical you saw on Broadway?

B: Aladdin. I saw it on a school trip to New York in 2015 and sat right at the back of the nosebleeds. Still magical though!

C: Sadly I haven't been, but I've always wanted to see Wicked where it started at the Gershwin. 

Aladdin showbill from March, 2015

5. If you could be any female character in any musical, who would you be and why?


B:  Honestly at the moment I would choose Eurydice from Hadestown. All of her songs are pure fire, and she has such a heartbreaking story line, you'd get to explore so many emotions in that role! Failing that, Janey from Eugenius is such a great character, and I love her personality so much.

C: Angelica Schuyler. Or Elphaba. They both have quite similar energies. Both fiercely intelligent, feisty, commanding. They're quite tragic characters in different ways, there's real depth there.

6. Which male character?

B: King George from Hamilton immediately came to mind. The whole world of musicals to choose from and I go for a role with only 8 minutes stage time. Honestly just chose him because I love singing all the funny little pronunciations in his songs.

C: J.D. from Heathers would be a lot of fun, but even thinking about singing Meant to be Yours gives me vocal nodules. He's a really dark, intriguing character with a good arc. I think George Washington would be great to play too because he has some cracking songs.

Us and our lovely friend, Caz, from when we saw Hamilton
together last November

7. Favourite musical song to sing along to in the shower?

B: It Roars from Mean Girls and Words Fail from Dear Evan Hansen. Something about the water that makes it feel way more dramatic and emotional, which is what it deserves.

C: Non-Stop from Hamilton - I sing every part - but my current obsession is Wait For Me from Hadestown. I hold out the shampoo bottle for the full effect. Also anything from Six. Happy to cover Aragon and/or Parr!

8. Who is your favourite musical theatre actress?

B: Celinde Schoenmaker. I've only actually seen her in one musical as it stands, but I've seen her in a few concerts and her voice is just out of this world.

C: Right now it has to be Eva Noblezada. I'm not blessed enough to have seen her in a musical yet, but I've never heard a voice like hers before. She's remarkable. 

9. Favourite musical theatre actor?

B: Charlie Stemp. Those pirouettes tho.

C: Jamie Muscato. He's just great. I'm totally envious of his voice. 

10. Favourite film adaptation of a musical?

B: I think I have to say Hairspray. I loved the 2007 version ever since I saw it in the cinema, and it never seems to get old.

C: West Side Story. It's just a classic. I desperately want to see it on stage. 

11. What do you think is the most underrated musical?

B: Once on This Island. It's easily one of the best productions I've ever seen in my life and it's paid absolute dust. They deserved more!

C: Speaking as a Geordie lad, I'd have to say Billy Elliot. It's such a special show set at such a contentious time in our history. Everything about it is so lovely. It really needs to be back on stage soon. 

12. Most overrated musical?

B: Phantom of the Opera. I think it's still a great show, just not my cup of tea I'm afraid!!

C: This might make me very unpopular, but I have to say Rent... I know, I know... I like the songs though? Soz.

Dear Evan Hansen, at the Music Box Theatre, March 2018

13. What musical made you cry?

B: I cry at the drop of a hat, but it seems a cop out to just say all of them (even though it's true!) But I've never cried at a show as much as I did at Dear Evan Hansen. Absolute mess!

C: Something about the Dancing Through Life scene in Wicked always always makes me emotional. When the all the other students join in and dance with Elphaba and she just stands there, looking about, in complete disbelief at being part of a group for the first time, accepted... That took a turn! 

14. What musical made you laugh?

B: I got to see Hello, Dolly! on Broadway last year and that was a riot. Also, I've seen Matilda so many times and I still find it hilarious

C: The first one that comes to mind is Heathers. Obviously it's quite dark and murdery... but I just had the best time seeing that show. 

Hello, Dolly! at the Shubert Theatre

15. Are there any musicals you saw and hated?

B: Sweet Charity. No further comments at this time.

C: I saw a preview of I Can't Sing the X Factor musical back in 2014. It was just a bit much? Cynthia Erivo was incredible though. A close second would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

16. What musical do you want to see as a film?

B: I know it was originally a film, but I would love to see the musical version of Newsies on the screen! It's so excellent and we never got it in London!

C: I think all the musicals I want to see as films are currently being adapted. In the Heights is coming out next year, and Wicked in the next couple of years. Exciting times! 

17. Which musicals are you dying to see?

B: I would love love love to see Billy Elliot again. I was very young last time and now I have such a love for it, I know I would appreciate it more. Also, I would like to see In The Heights to see what all the fuss is about!

C: Once on This Island! I'm desperate for it to come to the West End because it's just such a beautiful story. Hadestown! I missed it when it was playing in London and I really regret that. The cast album is my favourite thing right now. 

The gorgeous Hadestown set

18. What is your all-time favourite musical?

B: Half A Sixpence

C: Wicked. I've just loved it for so long.