Any dream will do for this Joseph - view backstage tour on video

By [jharrington] lucy wood news editor lucy.wood@gsmg.co.uk

SCOTTISH-BORN Craig Chalmers is not only following, but living, his dream.

He is in Grimsby until Saturday, playing the lead role in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Grimsby Auditorium.

And he took us on an exclusive behind-the-scenes jaunt of the production, which has been touring the UK now for 15 months.

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Craig became known to millions by finishing in the top five of the TV talent show Any Dream Will Do, staged to find a leading man for Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End version of the show.

As a result, he has been enchanting audiences throughout the country in theatre producer Bill Kenwright's version of Joseph.

Although Lee Mead pipped Craig and four others to the post, impresario Ken was so impressed with Craig that this fresh-faced, blond charmer is taking centre stage on the UK tour.

Before Joseph took over his life, 26-year-old Craig was a professional singer in Scotland's pubs and clubs.

"But I always wanted to do something much bigger, so when I heard about Any Dream Will Do, I soon became one of the hopefuls," he said.

Joseph, alias Craig Chalmers, shows off his colourful costume.

"I didn't have any theatre training before Joseph, so I got to learn about diction, vocal training and acting.

"We crammed in an awful lot in a short space of time.

"Although it's tough sometimes, I do love the job. But it doesn't give me a lot of time to do anything else, because I have to rest to keep the voice strong.

"Being on this tour has seen my voice become a lot stronger. Our musical director is also a vocal coach, and he has helped me a lot."

"When I was at home I played a lot of football, but I can't do that now because I can't risk getting injured!"

The show is today and tomorrow, with matinee peformances. Tickets cost £11 to £25. For more information, call 0844 847 2426 or visit www.grimsbyauditorium.org.uk