Features

How stagey are you? Ben Forster vs Kimberley Walsh

The battles turn festive as this pair of elves step up to the plate

Ben Forster

Ben shot to fame when he appeared on and won Andrew Lloyd Webber's ITV programme Superstar.

As a result, Forster played the lead role 2012 arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. His other theatre credits include The Rocky Horror Show and Evita.

He is currently playing Buddy in Elf at the Dominion Theatre.

Kimberley Walsh

Kimberley is best known for being one fifth of the pop sensations Girls Aloud.

She made her West End theatre debut in 2012, playing Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical.

Kimberley is currently playing Jovie in Elf at the Dominion Theatre.

What was the last show you went to see?

It was to see my mate Kerry Ellis play Grizabella in Cats earlier this year. 1

I've just had my little boy, so I’ve not been as much as usual recently. But the last one was Miss Saigon, I loved it. It’s my favourite musical. 1

How many cast recordings do you own? Which is your favourite?

I probably own all of them! Nostalgia wise, Jesus Christ Superstar with Stephen Balsamo is just amazing. I also love the Les Mis one with Colm Wilkinson. 1

Probably about eight. Miss Saigon is definitely my favourite. 1

What is the stagiest picture on your phone?

Ade Edmondson, Stephen Fry, Anthony Head, me and Emma Bunton backstage at Rocky Horror. 1

Michael Simkins, Rodney Earl Clarke, Denise van Outen, Michael Xavier, me and Kerry Ellis backstage at Sweet Charity. 1

How many times have you seen Wicked?

About seven times I think! 1

Three times. 1

Who would you invite to a dinner party (dead or alive)?

I would invite Joan Rivers for comedy value, and Bette Midler because she’s a legend and I LOVE her. I’d also invite Stephen Fry, I met him when we did Rocky Horror but didn’t get to talk to him properly and I think he’s fascinating. 1

Beyonce, Elaine Paige and Lea Salonga, I’m obsessed with her. I’m not sure if Beyonce would get on with them but I’d give it a try. 1

Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts?

Probably Mel C because she’s a Spice Girl. She comes to all my first nights, she’s amazing! 1

It depends how you measure fame, but I guess either Gary Barlow or Cheryl [Fernandez-Versini], which is bizarre to say that, but I guess she is. 1

Have you ever had your photo taken by Darren Bell?

Of course! 1

No. 0

What is the stagiest thing that’s ever happened to you?

Finishing JCS at the O2 and having Bono and the Edge, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alan Carr, Katherine Jenkins, Tim Minchin and Mel C in my dressing room. That was amazing." 2 [UBERSTAGEY]

I met Olivia Newton-John at the Royal Variety once, that was exciting. I also met Lea Salonga in New York when I was doing The Passions of Girls Aloud and I did a Les Mis challenge. 1

What is your earliest theatrical memory?

Getting underneath my quilt in my bed with my Walkman and listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Greatest Hits. It was a mixture of Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express, Phantom of the Opera and all these songs. I remember thinking how amazing it was and how I wanted to be in that world. 1 [Love this]

I used to do a lot of home performances when I was a child, so probably performing "You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" from Annie with my sister in the living room, obviously I was Molly. 1

What do you like to do after a show?

Eat and watch TV. 0

Have a nice big glass of red wine and just chill out. 0

And the winner is…

10/10

It's a smashing performance from Ben who joins Simon Lipkin in second place in the stagey league table. Oh to be a fly on the wall in his JCS dressing room.

8/10

At the beginning of our chat, Kimberley told us she 'wasn't very stagey', we beg to differ. Also, we'd like an invite to your dinner party with Bey, Elaine and Lea please Kimberley.


Stagey League Table

1. Simon Bailey

12 points


2. Ben Forster

10 points


2. Simon Lipkin

10 points


=4. Sabrina Aloueche

9 points


=4. Susie McKenna

9 points


=4. Eva Noblezada

9 points


=4. Jon Robyns

9 points


=4. Lauren Samuels

9 points


9. Amelia Lily

8.5 points


=9. Scott Garnham

8.5 points


=11. Gina Beck

8 points


=11. Cassie Compton

8 points


=11. Sharon D. Clarke

8 points


=11. Lucie Jones

8 points


=11. Kimberley Walsh

8 points


=16. Carrie Hope Fletcher

7 points


=16. Marc Elliott

7 points


=16. Aaron Sidwell

7 points