All Star Musicals

In the mood for razzle-dazzle? AllStarMusicals, a celebration of the West End, is giving celebs the chance to tread the boards with showbiz sparkle…

AllStarMusicals is the absolutely joyous, all-singing, all-dancing ITV show giving celebrities the chance to entertain us on the West End stage for one night only! Under the gaze of host John Barrowman, stars including Judge Rinder, Dr Ranj, Barney Walsh and EastEnders’ Luisa White (Tina Carter) will belt out a range of numbers from shows including Chicago, TheGreatestShowman and Guys&Dolls. Here, the judges - the legendary Elaine Paige, Aladdin star Trevor Dion Nicholas and Samantha Barks from LesMisérables – tell us what to expect...

ELAINE PAIGE Elaine, you’re back as head of the panel and mentor, do you enjoy both roles?

I do – it’s great to see their progression, from the moment I first meet them to their actual performance on the night. I’m always amazed at how much I’ve got to impart, but then, I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, so I guess I’ve learnt a lot in that time!

How’s the mentoring been so far this year?

Very exciting – there have been some real surprises. What I did find fascinating was that most hadn’t really thought about the character, they seemed to be more consumed about their actual singing ability.

And the lovely Samantha Barks is joining you and Trevor…

Yes, we’ve not worked together before, but I’ve seen her work, including Pretty Woman on Broadway. Trevor, of course, was a fellow critic last year with me. I’ve seen him pop out of a lamp in Aladdin, and his brilliant performance in Hamilton!

The past year has been so tough on theatre. Do you feel hopeful it will return?

I do, and audiences are desperate to see live theatre again. We need it, not only to entertain, but to ensure so many people connected to it are back in work.

What’s the special opening number you guys are performing?

You Can’t Stop The Beat, from Hairspray! It’s the perfect song – full of energy, drive and positivity.