Craig Chalmers is still living the dream with Joseph

11:00am Friday 22nd January 2010

By Melanie Dakin

Cast members may have come and gone but the star of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Craig Chalmers is still living the dream entertaining audiences across the country in Bill Kenwright’s renowned production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s show, which calls in at The Alban Arena this month.

Born in Edinburgh, Craig was part of the boy band No Reason, which had a hit with the single Man Like Me and was an entertainer on the cabaret circuit.

Then in 2007, he shot to fame as one of the most popular finalists in the hit BBC series Any Dream Will Do. Watched by millions, the show was produced to find a leading man for a new West End production, and Craig charmed audiences with his vocal talents, finishing in the top five. He recalls those early days with fondness.

“I always had ambition, I’d got to a level where I couldn’t go any further. I’d been singing professionally since the age 18, but I didn’t want to still be doing cabaret so the main thing for me was to prove I was up to the job.”

Joseph, the colourful retelling of the biblical story about the young boy with the coat of many colours, includes such memorable songs as Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.

“I’ve grown up with the show,” says Craig. “I was 25 when we began the tour and will be 29 when we finish in July.

“At first it was tough because I went from singing on a Friday and Saturday night in Scotland to ten shows a week on a national tour. It was a shock to system but I was always quick at adapting and it’s such a huge success, I’m glad I’m still doing it two and a half years on.

“The main thing you have to get used to with a long tour is the cast changes. I’m the only one left from when I started but it’s a good challenge getting used to different interaction and personalities. It’s been great for my own self belief to know I’ve done a good job of it and I’ve stayed loyal to the show.”

Craig says his fiancé Jennifer Smith has helped him cope enormously by driving him to and from engagements. The couple, who will marry in September, have just bought an apartment in Birmingham as a base.

“Most Fridays she travels to see me. She’s clocked up a lot of miles in that car. So many people break up on tour but we go from strength to strength, that’s why we’re getting married. We’re quite well organised for the wedding. She’s in charge of booking the venue, the florist and her dress while I’m in charge of the kilts and entertainment.”

Joseph is at The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans from January 25-30. Tickets: 01727 844 488.