Interview: Craig Chalmers

12:46pm Friday 27th June 2008

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Craig Chalmers thought his chances of a leading stage role had disappeared when he was voted off TV’s search for Joseph. But now he’s touring the country in his dream role.

THE curtain has just gone down on Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat as I ring to speak to Craig Chalmers in his dressing room.

Once again he’s received a standing ovation from fans who have loved his performance in one of the country’s favourite musicals. And yet, a year ago, Craig’s showbiz dreams appeared to be at an end after he was unceremoniously booted off Any Dream Will Do, the BBC’s prime time Saturday night show to find a new West End star.

With his cheeky grin and Scottish accent, the former boyband member may have had fans among the viewers but he came in for criticism from the the show’s expert panel who doubted his West End potential.

“All the criticism I received was pretty constructive,” said Craig. “They challenged me to take their comments on board and I have certainly done that.

“At the time it was pretty stressful and getting knocked off the show really hurt but it has made me a stronger person.

“One thing’s for sure, I’m a far better performer now. My vocal range is definitely improved and expanded and doing the show I’ve lost a stone and a half for when I wear the loin cloth!”

Craig has been performing the lead role in Joseph for months, packing out theatres around the country — and he’s contracted to carry on touring until January next year.

“By then I’ll have been doing 10 shows a week for a year and a half,” he said. “That’s a lot of shows. I had three days off the other week but they were the first shows I’d not done in six months. It’s amazing how the body and the voice adjust to such a demanding regime.”

With so many stage appearances behind him, how does Craig manage to keep his performance fresh?

“You’ve just got to be aware that every night you are playing to a different audience and that that performance is the one they want to see. I have worked on things vocally during the run and I’m constantly making adjustments to my performance.”

Since the tour started there have been numerous cast changes but Craig has remained constant in the lead role.

“I suppose I’m an old hand now, “ he said.

A number of the finalists from Any Dream WIll Do have been touring with the show, including series runner-up Keith Jack who played the show’s narrator.

With the rest of the year mapped out for him what, I wondered, were Craig’s plans after Joseph.

“I’ve got a single out this summer with Antony Hansen, who is Pharoah in the show,” said Craig. “But next year, who knows? I’d like to do TV work at some time, perhaps presenting, and I’d like to do more theatre work. Whatever I do it has to be right for me.”

l See Craig in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Grand Theatr, Blackpool, from Monday, July 7 to Saturday, July 19. Details from the box office on 01253 290190.