JOEL MONTAGUE, Crewe (Cheshire) 1987

His professional debut in adult life was in BILLY ELLIOT in 2008 when he was 21. But technically he was doing professional touring pantomimes from the age of 4.

Other theatre credits include Ensemble in THE PRODUCERS (UK Tour), Swing in URINETOWN (St. James Theatre & Apollo Theatre); Eddie & Dr. Scott in ROCKY HORROR SHOW (UK Tour); Ensemble & u/s Joey in SISTER ACT (UK Tour); Dick in DICK WHITTINGTON (Milton Keynes).
TV Credits include Jim in ‘Coronation Street’; Dean in ‘Girls in Love’ (ITV); Philip in ‘Grange Hill’ (BBC Television); ‘World in Action’ (ITV); Small Boy in ‘In Suspicious Circumstances’.

Currently Joel plays the role of Eddie in the acclaimed new London revival of FUNNY GIRL, starred by Sheridan Smith, at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: I remember vaguely seeing OLIVER & CATS when I was very young. Two shows that majorly impressed me were BEAUTY & THE BEAST due to how huge the production was. Also HOT SHOE SHUFFLE as I remember watching the original Austrailian cast in London and being overwhelmed by how amazing they all were.

- You would like to make a duet with: Too many people and songs to choose from. I´ve been fortunate to duet with Julie Atherton so that was ticked off my list. I guess it would be Jenna Russell, Brian D´Arcy James or Shoshana Bean. Hopefully all could happen in my life. However people who aren´t alive Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly or Frank Sinatra.

- Webber o Sondheim? Really... Sondheim of course.

- London or New York? New York hands down!!!

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? Yes and I also try and do posters as well... Signed preferably.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was (as a performer and/or as a spectator): As a spectator probably the first preview of WICKED in London and the cast member shouted “Look it´s Glinda...” Glinda did not arrive that was awkward!!!
As a performer I was playing Enoch Snow in a production of CAROUSEL at Arcola Theatre in Dalston and I managed to crack on a huge note in a song “when the children are asleep”.

- An unforgettable moment (as a performer and/or as a spectator): As a spectator genuinely most Broadway shows I´ve seen. Not sure why my things are about WICKED but the very first time Idina Menzel ran out as Elphaba on her first entrance and her reaction to the huge screams & applause she got was genuine amazement.
As a performer probably getting to go on for Bobby Strong in URINETOWN working opposite Jenna Russell & Johnathan Slinger.
Finally my last performance at BILLY ELLIOT, I cried so hard going down on the pit lift I wasn´t able to sing. The show was 2 years of my life and I adored the show so much.

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? Not really I understand people that do but live theatre is so unpredictable no superstition stops that.

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): In real life I guess I´d love to be as cool and good looking as Danny Zuko. I also think Frank Abignale from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN would be cool.

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: Elphaba or Effie White in DREAMGIRLS. If you´re gonna do it you gotta be full out.

- What do you like most/least about your work? I think 8 shows a week is hard. Sometimes mid week matinees are a struggle at times. That´s the only thing everything else is brilliant but we´d all like more zeros on the end of our pay checks.

- What is your favorite musical movie? That´s hard a lot of MGM movies as that´s what I was brought up on but modern day films. My favourites have been CHICAGO, DREAMGIRLS & INTO THE WOODS.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: For some bizarre reason ALADDIN actually.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: This quote is a play on words from 42ND STREET.
“You’re going out there... a silly hysterical screaming but you’re coming back a great big, passing for straight, Broadway Star!!!” - Carmen Ghia, THE PRODUCERS
I love this quote as it’s about most MT actors/actresses in general.

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars (as ‘Over The Raibow’ or ‘I’d Do Anything’): I´m not a fan as I feel they should be focusing on less well known musicals to improve the publics education of Musical Theatre not rehashing old shows.

- You feel proud of: My career in general and what I´ve achieved and hopefully what more I´m able to achieve as well.

- Of this moment you’re living as a performer, the most important thing to you is: Always working consistently and choosing the right work.

 - Other projects you are working on: I´m always thinking up new things. I´m attempting to write a sitcom and a musical both different. I also direct and choreograph a lot so I´m always busy.