Interview with Lee in Ticketmaster Groups brochure

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is nothing short of a phenomenon and it is one of the most endearing shows of all time. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical has been a hit all over the world and continues to enjoy huge success with standing ovations at every performance.

With the liveliest, most energetic company of actors, singers and dancers, Joseph is brimming with non-stop action, laughter and infectious fun that will delight both the young and young at heart.

We met up with Lee Mead who is currently playing Joseph at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End.

Congratulations on winning the role of Joseph. What is it like to be a leading man at last?
A great feeling. I’ve achieved and fortified an ambition I have always had. I’m having an incredible time.

Being a fully trained professional actor, how was it going through the reality TV route of being cast?
No different for me in terms of my own standards – I treated it as any other audition for a role I really wanted to play. It was obviously not the same having TV cameras and the public having an insight into your personality though.

How do you feel about being watched for 8 shows a week dressed only in a loincloth?
At first nervous, I made sure I got myself into the gym quick. After a while though it has become second nature.

Of the four judges on Any Dream Will Do, who gave you the best advice and who did you respect the most?
Wouldn’t really like to pick out one person in particular. It was a top panel for a reason. They were all experienced in some way or another.

Which part of the show do you most look forward to performing? Have you forgotten your colour sequence yet?
I haven’t forgotten my colours yet and I don’t intend to, although there are a lot to remember in certain order. As for my favourite part of the show, I’d say Close Every Door. I love the journey Joseph has to take leading up to that moment.

You are known for being an understudy on The Phantom of the Opera. How was it working on this show and how often did you perform?
Working on the show was amazing. I was very lucky to be involved with such a production. It’s still one of my most favourite shows. I played the role of Raoul about thirty times over five months.

What was the last West End show you saw and did you enjoy it? Which current show would you most recommend to friends?
The current show I could only really recommend as I’ve been busy, would be Wicked. Great night out!

If you had not won the role of Joseph, which of the other 11 boys do you think should have got it?
Not for me to decide. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses, but I did feel Daniel was a strong contender.

How much input did you have into the choice of songs you performed on Any Dream Will Do?
Very little, if any. Our songs were chosen for us each week and the challenge being to adapt to any particular song. We were allowed to express our opinions though.

Have you seen any previous productions of Joseph? Who was your first / favourite Joseph?
I have seen a few productions of Joseph over the years, mainly on tour. The first person I saw playing the role was Richard Swerrun. His energy and passion along with amazing vocals blew me away. He would also go down as one of my favourites along with Donny Osmond who I also admire.


Did Connie Fisher give you any advice on becoming a winner?
No real advice, but she did pop into the programme once to make an appearance and gave us all an encouraging chat. She also told us what to expect if we won.

How are you coping with stardom and a life in the public eye?
No real changes. I’m from a very grounded family. To a degree I have to be aware that I am more recognised and my lifestyle has altered but I don’t see who I am as a person changing.