My Top 5 Showtunes: Raj Ghatak

Raj Ghatak's theatre credits include Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Crucible), The Low Road (Royal Court), Bombay Dreams and West Side Story (West End).

He is currently starring in the titular role of Pravesh Kumar and Harvey Virdi's Miss Meena and the Masala Queens. The new piece, inspired by the British Asian drag queen community, runs at the Watford Palace Theatre until 13 May before touring to Warwick, Greenwich, Winsdor, Southampton and Leeds.

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

1. "America" from West Side Story

The score from this show is beautiful, so it’s hard just to pick one song. I watched this film so many times as a child, it’s what inspired me to be an actor. The performances from Rita Moreno and George Chakiris in this number are outstanding, and she sizzles as Anita. I was lucky enough to be in West Side Story in the West End, and the music never tired for me. The passion in this film is incredible, and I’m always smiling by the end of this number.

2. "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from Bombay Dreams

I can’t do this article and not reference this show! It was ground-breaking, and a dream come true for me. Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, music by double Oscar winning A R Rahman, lyrics by Don Black and book by Meera Syal – this show will always have a fond place in my heart. I played the character of Sweetie for the show’s duration of two years at the Apollo Victoria. I even got a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical! This particular track was the opening to act two, and is a replica of a number from the film Dil Se, which was originally filmed on the roof of a moving train. This number gets my feet tapping every time I hear it. In accordance with Bollywood, this particular track was mimed, and also had three costume changes during the number.

3. "Rhythm of Life" from Sweet Charity

Sammy Davis Jr is mesmeric in this performance and is just too cool for school. He is inimitable, and has such style and charisma. I caught a re-run of an interview he did where he said "You can’t please everybody, but never let them say I didn’t like the performance. Never let them say he wasn’t working hard. I want them to say, yeah, he performed for me man. He gave me his all." That struck a chord with me, and has always been a call to arms when going to work. Give the audience everything you have, that’s all you can do. He does it in this number.

4. "Don’t Even Know It" from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

This is a new track from a new musical I was in this year at the Sheffield Crucible. It’s important to support and watch new writing and musicals, and this was exceptional. Music by Dan Gillespie Sells (from The Feeling), lyrics and book by Tom MacRae and directed by Jonathan Butterell, this show really struck a chord with the audiences and we had some people come and see it ten times! It was based on a true story about a 16 year-old boy called Jamie who was finishing school, he wanted to be a professional drag queen and go to his school prom in a dress. This is an excerpt of the opening track to the show (with John McCrae performing), and it’s light infectious bouncy pop. There’s rumours of another life for this show, I really hope there is, and if/when it goes on, do go and watch it.

5. "42nd Street" from 42nd Street

I was taken to see this show as a child, and it changed my life. The sheer size and spectacle of it blew me away, and I still remember being dazzled by the bright lights. I’ve spoken with many people who have 'the show' that made them want to go into the industry, and this is mine. I was at the press night for the current production at Drury Lane, and it is stunning. The cast are wonderful, with performances and choreography that will take your breath away. The title track builds and builds to a heady climax of thundering tapping feet drilled to perfection, which leaves you elated by the end of it. Go and watch it.