Q When did you first discover that you wanted to pursue career in performing?
A) My first memory of discovering that I wanted to pursue a career in performing
professionally and not just as a hobby would probably be when I was 15 years old and I
was cast as Danny Zuko in a big school production of Grease the musical. I really enjoyed it
and knew from that moment I wanted to try and study somewhere to be an actor.
Q Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
A) My musical inspirations growing up would have to be without doubt George Michael,
Nina Simone, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Philip Quast. I have always been drawn to
singers that are primarily actors first or storytellers and connect with the lyric. I’ve always
said it’s great to have an amazing vocal but if a singer can’t connect with the story of a
song of the lyrics it doesn’t take the audience on any kind of an emotional journey. It does
nothing for me. This is always at the forefront of my mind when I perform in musicals or
for my own concerts.
Q If you could perform on stage with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be?
A) George Michael, Tony Bennett call Aretha Franklin.
Q What’s your favourite song to perform and why?
A) It would probably have to be Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) by Billy Joel. To me this is
one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Billy Joel is a genius. He wrote this song for
his daughter to reassure her of the love he will always have for her. The song completely
resonated with me as I have a daughter myself. The lyrics and the melody are beautiful. I
have also sung this song live a few times over the years myself.
Q Are you excited about going back on tour?
A) I’m really excited to be back on tour. I have been in quite a few West End musicals and
plays over the years, and done a lot of TV but I honestly have to say going out for two
hours and singing great songs is what I love the most. I really enjoy travelling to the
different towns and cities no matter how big or small the venue as well. There is
something really special about performing and travelling to peoples hometowns.
Q What is a typical day on tour like for you?
A) I try not to wake up too late. Possibly go to the gym at least three mornings a week,
then have a fairly big lunch as I don’t like to eat too heavy for dinner before a show. After
soundcheck I’ll call my children and my fiancée Issy after school and work. I also love
reading, so if there is a chance to read my book in a nice quiet coffee shop that is always a
treat as well. Or listen to some great music. Depending on where we are touring I also try
and see a bit of each town.
Q When you’re not on tour or in a show, what do you get up to/what do you do to relax?
A) I’m normally preparing for my next project. At the moment it’s finding songs for my
next album which is exciting. Generally, I enjoy being at home doing the school runs and
being with the family. We also have a pug called Truffle which I love spending time with
and taking her for walks. I also love the cinema, so if I have a chance to go and see a few
films that is a real treat for me. My work generally takes me away for six months of the
year spread over the year so when I am home I really try to enjoy the downtime.
Q How much did you enjoy your time on the BBC Any Dream Will Do TV show?
A) It was an incredible experience, and something I will always be grateful for as it has
brought me so many life experiences and opportunities. But also an experience that if I’m
being honest I went into quite naïvely. I’m really pleased that I did though as it completely
changed my life and opened up my career. We were singing live to 12 million people a
week which was very exciting, but when I think about it, that many people could put you
off singing for life if you were to sing badly. Fortunately I didn’t and went on to win the
role of Joseph.
Q You became well known as Joseph and have since gone on to perform in a wide
variety of musicals, what is the one musical you haven’t been in yet, that you would love
to do?
A) I would love to play the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. A couple of years ago I was
down to the final two for the role in the West End after about Six auditions, but
unfortunately it didn’t quite swing my way. It was also my first West End show which is
why I think it has a special place for me. It’s also why I am very excited to be touring with
The Phantoms around the UK.
Q You spend a lot of time performing in the West End as a character, how does that
compare to performing as yourself in regional theatres?
A) I guess with a West End show you are part of a bigger company and a bigger scale
production, so you are a part of a machine where everyone has to come together every
night to put on the show. With a musical and playing a lead role, generally depending on the
part you may only have three or four songs to sing in the show with mainly script/ a story.
The reason I love doing the concert tours is that I can sing up to 20 songs a night from all
different genres and musicals as well, so you have more freedom with the material of what
to sing.
Q You spent several years doing TV, acting in Casualty and Holby City. Do you prefer
working in television or in live theatre?
A) I love working in both TV and theatre, and they are both so different to work in but if I
had to choose it would probably be live Theatre. For me, you can’t beat the feeling of that
instant connection or interaction with an audience.
Q Where did you train?
A) I did try to apply for the big London schools but unfortunately I couldn’t get a
scholarship or any grants, which just made me more determined to succeed. I trained
locally at a small college in Southend Essex where I am from. The training wasn’t as good
as the London drama schools but it gave me a basic foundation before I left early and
landed my first job singing on a car ferry for P&O. I worked my way up through cabaret and summer seasons before breaking into the
ensemble of West End musicals. Looking back, I’m really pleased my career took the
route that it did as it has given me much more appreciation for my success.
Q What would you have been if you weren’t a singer / actor?
A) To be honest, I don’t really know. I know that I did go through a period of wanting to
study as a school teacher so probably teaching English and drama. I love working with
children and seeing them become passionate about things they love and seeing them grow.
Catch Lee Mead at the Queen’s Theatre on Wed 28th May.
You can pick up your tickets here…
