My Top 5 Showtunes: Chris Jenkins
Chris Jenkins' theatre credits include Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds (Dominion), Billy Elliot (West End) and Spamalot (West End).
He is currently starring in The Burnt Part Boys at the Park Theatre.
We caught up with Chris and asked him: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"
5."Wonder" from Lord of the Rings
There’s something so magical about this song. Laura Michelle Kelly’s pure silk vocals combined with the most amazing orchestra always leads to goosebumps and tears. I saw it four times whilst it was on at Drury Lane. I couldn’t get enough of it. The whole score is played to death on any long car journey with my boyfriend.
4."We Do Not Belong Together" from Sunday In The Park With George
This is the definition of musical theatre for me. Perfectly written dialogue that segues into song effortlessly and builds to an emotional climax which is pitched perfectly by Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell. There’s no better pairing than them.
3."They Live In You" from The Lion King
I’m in love with this film. It never fails to make me cry and I’m a sucker for father/son storylines, so having some of the most moving moments in the film reimagined into song is so powerful. I love the ensemble singing in Zulu, there’s something so visceral about it. On a side note: will someone PLEASE put Hercules on stage?
2. "Brave New World" from Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds
This song is epic. I was lucky enough to perform this at the Dominion and it was an amazing experience. Hearing the massive band rocking this out with Jeff Wayne at the helm behind me and David Essex in the wings giving me the thumbs up is something I won’t forget in a hurry!
1."What About Love?" from The Color Purple
The first time I heard this song was in drama school sung by Suzie McAdam and Dawn Sievewright and I instantly fell in love with it. I had to investigate the show further, then I found the film which led to me reading the book, each finding their unique way of telling a heartbreaking, life affirming story.
