The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Shakil Hussain. Shakil is currently playing Frank in the UK tour of NOW That's What I Call a Musical. You can book tickets to its next stop at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, here.

Hi Shakil, how are you doing today? Thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into acting?

Hi! My Name is Shak Hussain. I’m a London based actor/musician. One of my earliest cinema memories was seeing a Bond movie with my dad when I was about 6. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be an actor (or a spy!!). Seeing the new Bond movie when it’s released is a tradition we still keep to this day!

You're currently playing Frank in NOW That's What I Call a Musical. Can you tell us about the story and the character you play?

It’s a beautiful story about friendship. It’s set at a school reunion in 2009, with best friends who haven’t seen each other in 20 years. We also flash back to 1989 at the height of the friendship. Cue incredible 80’s music!! I play Frank Williamson, brother to Gemma, played by the fantastic Nina Wadia. He’s a loveable wannabe business tycoon. He has real heart in the show and is a huge support system for his big sister. He also has a lifelong love for April!

How has the tour been going for you so far and how has it been performing alongside 80's icons such as Sinitta and Sonia?

The show has been doing incredibly well. So many sold out shows. The crowd are always on their feet by the end of the show, clapping and singing along. It’s really beautiful to see how invested they become with our characters. Wow… our stars!! These are icons many of us grew up listening to and watching on the telly. They have been an absolute dream to work with and get to know. Watching them perform timeless classics and getting to join in with them is a real ‘pinch me’ moment!

The production is bursting with chart-topping hits from the 80's. What's your favourite 80's song?

That is such a hard question. There’s so many hits to choose from. It’ll be ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey or ‘Take On Me’ by A-Ha. Though that answer may change in 5 minutes!!

My blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?

One of my favourite books from my teenage years is ‘On The Road’ by Jack Kerouac. It was a book that inspired the beat movement  in the USA during the 50’s. I’d love to play Sal Paradise or Dean Moriarty.

And finally, why should people book tickets to NOW That's What I Call a Musical UK tour?

People think this show is just a jukebox of hits. It isn’t. It’s so much more than that. It has real heart. It has characters you get invested in. It’s funny, it’s touching and it’ll absolutely have you singing along and dancing in your seat. If that sounds like your idea of a good night out, come along and join us. 

You can book tickets to NOW That's What I Call a Musical at its next stop in Woking, here.

**photo credit: Pamela Raith**