My Top 5 Showtunes: Nicola Blackman

Nicola Blackman's theatre credits include The Lion King, Mamma Mia! and Destry Rides Again for which she received an Olivier Award nomination.

She is about to star in The ToyBoy Diaries, which runs at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester from 18 January to 10 February.

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

"Bill" from Show Boat

This was my first West End show aged 15, I would stand in the wings to listen and learn. So many great performers in the cast, although I went to drama school, I learnt my craft there.

"I Go My Way By Myself" from The Band Wagon

I have put my explanation for this song together with an 'oh lord, I love the way Fred Astaire sings it!' I heard it at a friend’s funeral and it was played as he was going to be cremated and I thought it was very apt.

"Oh Lord I’m On My Way" from Porgy and Bess

Over the years I have attended many funerals where this was played and I would like it at mine as well as the above song. The chord progression at the end is thrilling and full of hope. It’s not morbid, we’ve all got to go!

"Somewhere That’s Green" from Little Shop of Horrors

Ellen Greene is a force of nature. I had the great privilege of being on stage with her as Chiffon in Little Shop, in a trio with Dawn Hope and Shezwae Powell.

"Men!" From Enter Laughing

This is just camp! And I have been singing it for auditions since God was a boy. My favourite version is by Loni Ackerman who I got to work with on a Broadway concert. Again a wonderful performer.