You’ve got to Sing to win
ELAINE PAIGE has a simple answer to how to impress her: “This may sound obvious but know the lyrics inside out. Make sure you’re on top of the tune. Don’t come in too big and bold because it will leave you nowhere else to go. Remember, you’re telling a chapter in a bigger story.
“And don’t be put off by constructive criticism. Sometimes, as a mentor, you have to be cruel to be kind – otherwise, you’re not doing anyone any favours.
“The way to build someone’s confidence is to steer them in the right direction.
“You’ve only got one go at it and, of course, you’re going to be nervous. But there’s a way of using nerves positively. They’ll give you the adrenalin you need.”
Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan, 55, was on the receiving end of Elaine’s advice. “I didn’t find it scary,” Michaela says, “because I knew she wanted me to be the best I could be.”
That said, Elaine is the queen of the West End musical. “I know,” says Michaela.
“I saw her as Grizabella in Cats when I was 12. From that moment, I knew I wanted to go into musical theatre.”
People may know Michaela as a wildlife presenter but she comes from a musical theatre background.
After drama college, she went into a year’s tour of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers before a six-month run in thewest End.
“That’s where my career was going before it veered off into children’s TV and then wildlife presenting. Apart from spells in panto and the arena tour ofwalkingwith Dinosaurs,
I haven’t done anything theatrical for almost 20 years.
“It’s been waiting to burst out ever since. I’d love to do Strictly, for instance, because I’ve always been more of a dancer than a singer. But All Star Musicals ticks all the boxes because it’s got singing and dancing.
“What’s more, you can pick what song you want to do.”
However, Michaela won’t reveal her assigned number or the show in which it features.
“Let’s just say it involves a lot of tap dancing. That’s something
I did back in the day but it’s a bit like riding a bicycle. Once learnt, never forgotten.
“I put on my little tap shoes which I bought when I was 17, tap danced round the kitchen and found I could still do it.
“It’s different with singing though. Your vocal chords are a muscle. If you haven’t used them for some years, they get rusty.”
The week she was presenting Autumnwatch live last September was also the week of the dress rehearsal for All Star Musicals.
“The only place I could practise was in a big shed housing all our outside broadcast trucks in Norfolk.
“I’d get there really early in the morning and run through my entire performance three times. There were a couple of security
Elaine Paige knows a thing or two about musical theatre. Which is why she was picked to be a mentor and head judge on the returning celebrity talent show All Star Musicals, where familiar faces are taken out of their comfort zone and asked to sing in front of a live audience. For this latest edition, the line-up is Coronation Street actress Lisa George, GMB’S Alex Beresford, Eastenders star Jacqueline Jossa, James Bond actor Colin Salmon, rugby player Danny Care and wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan. RICHARD BARBER talks to three of the new hopefuls...
‘All Star Musicals ticks all the boxes’
guards having their coffee who must have thought this presenter was a bit on the eccentric side.”
SO HOW did it go on the night? “I was pleased with how I did although I was disappointed with the comments of one of the judges – not saying which! But I was extremely nervous and I think that affected my singing.
“I was the first on. I stood in the wings with my 12 dancers and I felt quite confident. But the moment I stepped on stage, the orchestra started – and so did my left leg. I couldn’t stop it shaking. By the end, I was smiling so much that my lips got stuck to my teeth.
“But I’m so pleased I did it
– it was such fun.”
Jacqueline Jossa, 29, is best known for playing Lauren Branning in Eastenders. She says: “I said yes immediately when the offer came in because I love musicals
– always have.
“I’d seen All Star
Musicals before and really enjoyed it.
“I took my daughters to see
Frozen in the
West End and we all thought it was incredi
ble. My song is from that show so I was pleased to be mentored by Samantha Barks who, of course, plays Princess Elsa in Frozen on the London stage. I’ve been a fan of hers ever since I saw her as Eponine in Les Mis.
“Her advice was really good. I can sometimes care a little bit too much about what people are thinking. She encouraged me to let go.
‘It’s a big song from a big character and quite an intense storyline. Easier said than done, I know, but I tried to relax as much as possible.
“In the end, I was really happy with my performance because I’d never done something like that before – sung a solo on my own in front of a live audience. I’ve only ever done karaoke in front of my family.”
So will she be tuning in? “No, I don’t think I could watch it with my girls.
“They’ll have to see it with their dad. I think I’ll record it and watch it on my own.”
ALEX BERESFORD, 41, was a world away from his familiar job as weather presenter on Good Morning Britain and the ITV News Hour. “I remember watching the very first series of All Star Musicals,” he says, “and thinking I’d like to have a go at that. Well, you know what they say – careful what you wish for.
“The invitation came through last autumn and I found myself auditioning in a room of
seasoned professionals. Would my singing in the shower be good enough for this?”
Alex’s chosen number came from a musical still packing them in in the West End and a huge hit online during lockdown. “The song is very fast and I worried if that would expose my shortcomings.
“But I practised it over a weekend and decided I’d give it a go.
“I then went to see the show in London and, rather than putting me off, it filled me with excitement. I found it electric.
“Of course, I knew I couldn’t be as good as the professionals but I was energised by what I saw and heard.”
Alex was mentored by US star Trevor Dion Nicholas. “He was amazing but then he played the Genie in Aladdin on the London stage. He filled me with the confidence I needed.
“He taught me the right places to breathe – you have to be careful not to allow the adrenalin to eat you up. He also told me to remember that I was acting, telling a story.
“Being on stage with a full ensemble was pretty special and it really helped to have a live studio audience. The moment I got to the wings, of course, I forgot all my words.
“I was panicking. But I steadied myself and then quickly ran it through my head.
“In the event, I gave it my best shot. I didn’t embarrass myself.
“There’s one part that still bugs me. I know I could have done it better although I’m not sure the audience noticed.”
One final question. Alex famously fell out with Piers Morgan the day the presenter walked off the GMB set.
So how does he think Piers would fare on All Star Musicals?
Long pause. “I haven’t heard him sing in a while,” he says. “And that’s fine by me.”