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My Top 5 Showtunes: Rosanna Hyland

The actress reveals the musical numbers she couldn’t live without

Rosanna Hyland
Rosanna Hyland

Rosanna Hyland's theatre credits include Carousel (Savoy), Sister Act (Palladium), Shrek (Drury Lane) and Urinetown (St James and West End). She is currently starring in ''I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 23 July.

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


5."The Flesh Failures (Let the Sun Shine In)" from Hair

Admittedly I’d overlooked Hair until the 2010 revival, which left me on a high for days after. I get chills when I remember the audience flooding the stage to join the tribe for one last refrain of this beautiful anthem.

4."Sweet Transvestite" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

I love The Rocky Horror Picture Show so much I wrote my college thesis on it. Tim Curry is a masterclass in magnetism, strutting around in red lipstick and pearls. It makes me want to hoick up my fishnets and run away with him to Transsexual, Transylvania!

3."Rose's Turn" from Gypsy

The goddesses of musical theatre from Ethel to Imelda have each brought something unique to this role and they all inspire me to be better, braver and ballsier on stage. I can only dream of one day having the experience and gravitas to smash out this song.

2."Spread the Love Around" from Sister Act

Forgive me for adding a song from a show I was in but I get a little misty-eyed when I hear it! Alan Menken knows how to tug those heartstrings and it’s loaded with great memories of being surrounded by strong, beautiful, talented women who I was proud to call ‘sister’.

1."Gold" from Once

I was a complete sucker for Once and particularly this song, it got me right in the feels! I have a little bit of Irish blood and can’t help but feel as though folk music is somehow in my DNA.