Theatre critic Mark Shenton will start a new series of interviews titled These Are A Few of My Favourite Songs at Soho Theatre this month featuring leading figures from the world of theatre.
In Soho Theatre's Soho Downstairs commencing at 6PM, each guest will choose favourite songs and talk to Shenton about how they relate to his or her life and theatrical career. Each interview will also feature a singer and accompanist to perform the songs chosen.
The series begins on 20 May with actor Simon Russell Beale, currently starring as Stalin in Collaborators at the National Theatre, with performances by Caroline Sheen, who is performing in Les Misérables in the West End as Fantine, accompanied by Ben Stock.
The same duo will perform on 27 May when Shenton will speak to director, musical director, composer, lyricist, orchestrator and translator Jeremy Sams, whose production of The Wizard of Oz is currently running on the West End and production of Noises Off transferred to the West End and Broadway.
On 17 June, composer Howard Goodall, whose repertoire includes many of the best-known TV comedy theme tunes as well as scores for stage musicals, ballet and choral music, will have his choices performed by Caroline Sheen, who appeared in Goodall's Love Story on the West End, once more accompanied by Stock.
The original British Elphaba in Wicked, Kerry Ellis will perform her own choices, accompanied by Craig Adams, when she faces Shenton's questioning for the final event of the series on 8 July.
The performances are in aid of The Theatrical Guild, a charity that looks after backstage and front-of-house personnel in need. The previous series included choices from Nicholas Hytner, Rob Ashford, Bill Kenwright, Michael Codron, Craig Revel-Horwood, Janie Dee and Sylvia Young.
For more information or to book tickets, see www.sohotheatre.com or ring the Soho Theatre box office on 020 7478 0100.