By Nicola Moyne
HE'S an international singing star – a musical phenomenon, and a damn good actor to boot. But, despite just landing the lead male role in the West End’s biggest musical, Wicked, what really mattered to Lee Mead when I spoke to him last week, was becoming a dad to baby Betsy.
“I’m so excited,” the Southend singer, now married to Denise Van Outen, tells me. “I’m nervous as well though, because obviously it’s a huge deal and I want to get it right.”
But, judging by everything else in his life, Lee won’t have much trouble perfecting his new role in parenthood.
In 2007 Lee Mead stole the nation’s hearts on Any Dream Will Do and went on to win the TV talent competition.
He starred in more than 600 shows as Joseph in the West End musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and also bagged Any Dream Will Do’s judge Denise Van Outen. So far, so good.
However, since then, Lee has starred in an Oscar Wilde play, gained critical acclaim for his 2009 album Nothing Else Matters and moved to an idyllic country pad in Kent. Now he’s set to be an amazing dad to daughter Betsy and get back to his rightful place on the big West End stage – not bad for a 28-year-old former ferry entertainer eh?
However, he’s as humble as ever when I speak to him to promote his show at the Cliffs Pavilion next week, and is thrilled to be singing in his hometown soon.
“It all feels like destiny really,” he tells me. “I’m playing at a few UK venues this year whilst doing Wicked at the same time, and the first date on the tour is Southend!
“I remember doing my work experience at the Cliffs Pavilion and assisting with the spotlight. I used to think ‘wow, wouldn’t it be great if it was me on stage one day’ and now it is. It’s all a bit surreal, but amazing at the same time.”
Indeed, Lee will be giving his Southend fans an exclusive concert to celebrate his musical prowess – performing numbers from Any Dream Will Do, Joseph and each of his albums.
With his good looks, great work ethic and obvious talent, it was only a matter of time before Lee was given the chance to shine. And with a prime role in Wicked coming up (he will play lead male Fiyero) I wonder if he feels most at home on stage?
“I love musicals and singing, but I would love to concentrate on acting in the future,” he reveals. “Wicked is an amazing production, and probably the biggest musical showing – but I’ve always had a passion for acting and that’s why I went to New York last year to do some training.”
Indeed, since January, Lee has starred in a touring revival of Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime – a Victorian comic melodrama adapted from the short story by Oscar Wilde.
“Acting was what I wanted to do originally, and I just kind of fell into singing,” the star explains. “So it’d be great in the future to try and get some TV and theatre work.”
For now though Lee is happy to concentrate on singing – and providing for his family.
“It’s such an exciting time for me right now and it feels as though everything has come together for me,” he says. “It’s a busy year – but an amazing one.”
Lee Mead will perform at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on Sunday 23 May from 7.30pm.
He will be joined by special guest, Niamh Perry who is currently starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical Love Never Dies.
For further information on the concert, or to book tickets to the event, please call the box office on 01702 351 135 or visit www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk.