Ben Darmanin returns to Malta this summer to put up a musical theatre performance at St James Cavalier, showcasing all he has learnt in the past three years at Margaret Howard Theatre College in London. Marie Benoît asks him some questions.

After a three-year stint at Margaret Howard Theatre College in London you have now fulfilled your dream: a placement at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Out of the three skills required for musical theatre: acting, singing and dancing which is your favourite and in which do you excel?

I think it’s important to work on all three skills equally. It is actually a requirement rather than just a choice. If I am going to have any chance at making it to the West End, I need to be equally skilled in all three disciplines: in fact, a ‘triple threat’. That said, singing is my thing, it is what I think I do best, and where my heart lies.

Which figure in theatre do you most identify with?

I can tell you who inspires me in theatre and in song: Michael Ball. I love the way he manipulates his voice and is adept at singing many different styles. I am also very influeneced by Will Young, he was a musical theatre student too! I am generally inspired by singers who bring passion to their art and who make the songs come alive.

What is your favourite journey?

Travel time is music time. It is when I get the chance to curl up with my iPod and immerse myself even deeper in the musical world. Taking the bus in Malta is always a pleasure; there is the added bonus of the driver nearly always turning out to be quite a character, the views of the sea, the familiar smells, the lit Valletta bastions at night on the way to Sliema, the lurching, the smiling people. It is a journey full of possibilities.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

I would have liked to be taller, I’m only 5 feet 6 inches tall! And I am in two minds about my Roman nose, it garners a little more attention than I’d like it to but it’s also mine, if you know what I mean.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

A music player. The other day someone was listening to one of my very few recordings and said she became a bit teary and then she realised it was me! I would love to be able to touch people like that, when they least expect it, and also to be surrounded by music all of the time!

Any favourite musicals? Any favourite songs or anything you would particularly like to perform?

Hmmm… how much space did you say you had? Right, I will try to restrict this to my top four. I love most musicals so it is something of a tough choice but my all-time favourites would probably have to be Les Misèrables and Wicked. The two parts I covet most are that of Chris in Miss Saigon and Freddy Einsford Hill in My Fair Lady.

Do you see yourself ever returning to Malta to make theatre your career? Tell us something about the show you are putting on at St James Theatre on 22 and 23 August.

I definitely see myself coming back regularly to perform here but for someone who lives and breathes theatre as I do, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I cannot earn a living in Malta. I love being here but I am probably going to have to divide my time between my country and those parts of the world where I can actually make a living from theatre. This month’s show is a dream because I am headlining a show in my own country and creating a context for local performers to collaborate with West End artists. There is little more that I want from life. The show has been designed around the songs which have marked my career so far and is heavily influenced by my repertory of musical theatre numbers. There are also some pop songs in there… and a couple of surprises!

Who else is going to be in it?

Jane Webster will direct and James Draisey accepted to take on the role of the show’s musical director as well as perform on the night. Heidi Ashton and Dorian Mallia will dance and Sarah Jane Attard will sing.

Any messages to aspiring actors/dancers/singers?

It is a very steep climb but immensely rewarding. Never give up and do not be afraid to ask… Believe in yourself and just enjoy!

Ben’s show A Musical Theatre Journey, at St James Theatre is in fact an attempt to raise funds to cover his £18,000 bill over the next year at the Royal Academy of Music. It will take place on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 August. Tickets at Lm5 are available from the St James Cavalier booking office: email [email protected] or tel. 21223200.