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My Top 5 Showtunes: Rhianna Dorris

The actress tells us the musical numbers she couldn’t live without

Rhianna Dorris as Tallulah in Bugsy Malone
Rhianna Dorris as Tallulah in Bugsy Malone
© Tristram Kenton

Rhianna Dorris is currently starring as Tallulah in Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith.

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


1. "School Song" from Matilda

The song's lyrics and movement are really clever, going through the whole alphabet telling the story of how it feels to be at a new school. I really enjoyed singing this when I was in Matilda!

2. "Revolting Children" from Matilda

I love this song because of the rebellious behaviour of the characters who are singing it. It is a great moment in the show of recognising that we’re all still children at heart: big and small!

3. Down and Out from Bugsy Malone

Of course I had to pick a song from Bugsy! The catchiness of the song is a lot like some of my other choices – I love songs that make you want to get up and join in. "Down and Out" is often forgotten until people see the show and are reminded of it, then they can’t stop humming the tune.

4. "Double Bubble Duchess" from ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

This song is so upbeat, and has rapping in it – which is amazing! I love songs in musicals that bring surprising elements to the show.

5. "Defying Gravity" from Wicked

It always moves me to hear this song sung live, and if you can sing it well then it sounds amazing! It’s more about the tune than the words with this song; the music is big, bold and glorious. It stands out as a great anthem.