My Top 5 Showtunes: Tom Lister

Tom Lister is best known for playing villain Carl King in the soap opera Emmerdale. His theatre credits include Water Babies, a UK tour of Calamity Jane and Legally Blonde at Curve.

He is currently playing Julian Marsh in the West End revival of 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

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

1. "Gethsemane" from Jesus Christ Superstar

This is one of my earliest memories of being completely blown away by a song in a musical. It has moved me to tears many times and I spent my childhood years trying to sing it like Steve Balsamo does so effortlessly. It still moves me today.

2. "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd

I remember doing a Sondheim workshop at Drama College and being bowled over by how wonderful his writing is. I love this song and quite often sing Jamie Cullum's great version of the track when I do gigs.

3. "42nd Street" from 42nd Street

To be in this show in the Drury Lane is just the stuff of "pinch me am I dreaming!?" I will never forget the sitzprobe day, hearing the music of this show played by 19 of the country's best musicians for the first time. It is so emotive and just overflows with joy! Come and see for yourself, I dare you.

4. "With You" from Ghost

I remember first hearing this cast recording when I was in Emmerdale. This track is beautiful and so wonderfully written by Dave Stewart and unfortunately I never saw my good friend Lucie Jones play it in China. But Caissie Levy sings it so well on the cast recording. Just exquisite and it also makes me cry (man I am soft!)

5. "Satisfied" from Hamilton

I tried so hard not to be one of the people going nuts for this show. But it's just so so good. It breathes new life into musicals and Lin-Manuel Miranda has deservedly got all the plaudits for such a genius piece of songwriting and storytelling. I could have picked the whole soundtrack.