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My Top 5 Showtunes: Lucy O'Byrne

The ”Les Miserables” actress tells us the showtunes she couldn’t live without

Lucy O'Byrne shot to fame on the first series of The Voice, in which she was mentored by will.i.am.

After the show she toured the UK in Bill Kenwright's UK tour of The Sound of Music as Maria. She is currently starring as Fantine in the West End production of Les Miserables.

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


1. "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from The Sound of Music

I was raised on Rodgers and Hammerstein and old school MT so really my whole list is quite traditional. I was lucky enough to have this sung to me every night for almost a year by two stunning sopranos and it never failed to move me. R&H knew what they were doing. This song is such an enduring and powerful message of hope and perseverance that is as meaningful today as it was when it was written over half a century ago. And personally it reminded me when I was in the show (and continues to remind me) how lucky I am to be following my dream.

2. "One Day More" from Les Miserables

This doesn't really need an explanation. I defy anyone to listen to this song and not want to join the revolution!

3. "If I Sing" from Closer Than Ever

This one is a tear-jerker. I love it because I know that everything I do, and everything I am able to do, is thanks to the love and support of my family. "If I sing you are the music. If I love you taught me how.." And aside from the gorgeous story it tells, Maltby and Shire have written a stunningly beautiful melody for it.

4. "Tonight" from West Side Story

As is the case with each of my top five, I could choose literally any song from this show. Or, for that matter, any song from any Bernstein musical. The reason this makes my list is actually the orchestration – particularly the strings. But also the verse at the beginning is so beautiful and sadly never seems to make it into concert versions of the song.

5. "I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You" from Evita

I love this for Eva's sheer arrogance. I'm very shy in real life but singing this, or even listening to it, just fills you with a confidence that makes you feel invincible. Also the crescendo into the dance break gives me shivers every time.