My Top 5 Showtunes: Matt Corner

Matt Corner is currently playing Frankie Valli in the West End production of Jersey Boys. His previous theatre credits include We Will Rock You, at the Dominion Theatre and the UK tour of High Society.

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

1. "Come To Your Senses" from Tick, Tick… Boom!

There are songs in your life that leave a lasting impression. Usually it's because they transport you to a particular moment in your life. You remember first hearing the song and it just seems to click. I was young and visiting a friend who had just started drama school, he played me this song and I instantly fell in love with the melody. Now this song reminds me of that naive, younger self, desperate to get to London and become an actor. Jonathan Larson is widely known for his brilliant work with Rent but I think this song is one of his best.

2. "Movin' Out" from Movin' Out

I have only recently listened to this again. But that bass line! Billy Joel is a genius. I need to listen to the rest of the cast recording really as I only ever listen to this one song.

3. "Gin/Wild" from The Wild Party (Michael John La Chuisa)

When I started watching the brilliant series Homeland and realised that I recognised one of the actors, Mandy Patinkin, I couldn't believe it. Here he is playing a vaudevillian clown and he jumps out of the recording and slaps you round the head. This song is about booze, prohibition and bathtub gin – what's not to like?! Hard to pick just one song from this great show.

4. "Falling Slowly" from Once

"Take this sinking boat and point it home we've still got time." – I think these words would be incredibly comforting on a desert island.
A perfect love song, I'm so glad Glen Hansard wrote this show.

5. "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music

Sondheim. The Master. The Genius. And this song is just beautiful.

Jersey Boys runs at the Piccadilly Theatre until 26 March 2017.