You won the seventh series of X Factor back in 2009. Can you tell us some of the many things you’ve been up to since then?
I’ve been recording albums, touring, done a few reality TV shows. Lots of things! Jack of all trades, master of none!
You are about to go on tour in your first full musical role as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Is theatre something you have always wanted to get in to and what attracted to this role?
Theatre was always something I wanted to experience. I feel like it’s nice to have a balance of both music and theatre – for me it’s really not about doing one or the other or having to be put in a box. Joseph is one of the most iconic roles for male performers in the industry. I was so excited that they wanted me to do the role – I’m honoured they asked me to take it on and I’m really chuffed to be doing it!
How do you survive being on tour so much, are there any special items from home that you always take with you to make things feel more normal?
I think you just adjust – you have to. The first 3 weeks are hideous, literally hideous, as your body doesn’t know the routine. That’s why I like doing long tours! But once you’re used to sleeping on a bus, getting up early, performing it’s fine. I actually miss not being on tour! I miss the routine of performing every night. When I’m not doing that, I feel strange. To make myself feel more at home I sometimes bring candles – I like candles in the dressing room. I also like to bring a nice lamp (lighting in dressing rooms are sometimes awful and very bright!) Apart from that, material things don’t make me feel at home. Sometimes family come out on the road which is lovely, but obviously they’re a bit harder to transport around!
Would you ever release a musical theatre album and if so what are some of your favourite songs that you might want to consider for the track list?
I’ve already recorded some musical theatre songs before – I did I Dreamed a Dream on an album, and Circle of Life I’ve recorded that. Oh, another song I’d like to do is Empty chairs at empty tables.
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, which theatre role would you like to play?
ELPAHABA.
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences you can tell me about?
I have had the odd trip or stumble …! Once a fire alarm went off mid-song and they had to interrupt the show and evacuate the whole building. It was quite funny and luckily it wasn’t a fire it was due to my lighting haze machine.
Why should people come and see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on tour?
I think it’s a great family musical – the songs are brilliant the story is brilliant. I cannot wait for everyone to see it!
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Click here to see who else has been having Tea With Wilma
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starts its UK tour this week in Peterborough. Click here for tour dates and to book tickets