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My Top 5 Showtunes: Liam Tamne

We chat to the ”Phantom of the Opera” star to find out which songs will be playing as he takes on the London Marathon next weekend

Liam Tamne's West End theatre credits include Les Miserables, HAIR, Hairspray and Wicked. He is currently playing Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera.

Next weekend he is running the London Marathon for The National Deaf Children Society. You can show your support and help him reach his target for an amazing charity by donating here.

We caught up with Liam and asked him: "If you were stranded on a desert island, which five showtunes could you not live without?"


1. "I’m Here" – The Color Purple

LT: I love the film of The Color Purple and coming from a mixed heritage family it is very poignant to me. I was lucky enough to see Fantasia Barrino’s last show on Broadway and her performance, blew me away. I doubt I’ll ever see anything as good as that moment on stage again. Sometimes I just need to listen to this song to give me a lift and understand why I’m here.

2. "Midnight Radio" – Hedwig and the Angry Inch

LT: I recently visited New York and I was advised by my American friends to see this show and god was I pleased. I got to see John Cameron Mitchell, the writer who also played Hedwig and Lena Hall play Yitzhak. This song really stood out for me as I have never seen an audience reaction as good as this. It made me realise why Musical Theatre can be so powerful and touching. I love this song sooooooo much.

3. "I Don’t Want To Know" – Dear World

LT: Now when I first heard this song I didn’t think much of it until I heard Sam Harris sing it. I was so mesmerised by how he portrayed the lyrics and emotion through his voice and what a voice he has. Stunning in every way. I still haven’t seen the show but i will as he has convinced me. One of the best male performances ever.

4. "No One Mourns The Wicked" – Wicked

LT: The moment anyone hears this song sat in their seat in the theatre it gives them instant chills. It did that to me the first time round, then when I joined the company of Wicked it was that feeling every night. It's just perfectly done to make you feel totally in grossed in the piece from the get go. All the intricate details and instruments make this probably one of Schwartz best compositions. I loved performing this every night and it still to this day gives me chills.

5. "Children Will Listen" – Into The Woods

LT: This is my all time favourite show and song. I absolutely adore this masterpiece. The lyrics are so powerful and current especially as we take for granted how powerful the spoken word can be. Everything is beautifully crafted together to pull, play with every emotion and really makes you think about your life and others around you. This song is played at least once a week on my iPhone or before a show.


The Phantom of the Opera is playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

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