My Top 5 Showtunes: Lee Proud

Lee Proud's theatre credits as a choreographer include Grand Hotel, Grey Gardens and Billy Elliot.

He is currently working on projects including Spring Awakening with the National Youth Music Theatre at Leicester Curve, Allegro at Southwark Playhouse and Rent at the St James Theatre.

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

5."Solidarity" from Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot will always be a hugely important part of my life and so it's probably not a huge surprise that I have chosen a song from it. "Solidarity" is a really gritty, visceral number which achieves so much in the story as it cleverly links together key elements of the narrative of the show. In my opinion it is a work of theatrical genius.

4."Jellicle Song For Jellicle Cats" from Cats

This show and especially the work of Gillian Lynne, inspired me and so many dancers of my generation and continues to do so today. This opening number gives us an incredible and clever slow build introduction into the magical feline world.

3."Small World" from Gypsy

From one of my top three classic musicals, there is something about the genius of the melody, the lyric and the situation the characters find themselves in which makes me feel optimistic and sad all at the same time.

2. "The Music and the Mirror" from A Chorus Line

An anthem for all dancers. The epitome of a show business number which embodies the notion that to perform is to live and without it we are nothing. The dance break alone increases my heart rate every time I hear it as I imagine Cassie pirouetting along that line!

1."Go Into Your Dance" from 42nd Street

This number just never fails to make me smile. Tap is one of my favourite dance forms and with its infectious motto this number is a frivolous and nostalgic delight!