To celebrate the release of his fourth album, Keith Jack is taking to the road on his ‘Movie Nights’ Tour, where he will be performing tracks from iconic movies; The Bodyguard, Dirty Dancing, Jailhouse Rock, Batman Forever plus so much more. The Mumble were lucky enough to catch up with the fine fellow for a few words…

Where are you from and where are you at, geographically speaking?
I’m from Dalkieith, near Edinburgh, Mid-Lothian. At the moment, I’m sitting on my sofa at home in London.

When did you first realise you were musical?
When I was really young! I remember, when I was only around 5-years old, singing traditional Scottish songs – such as ‘Donald, Where’s yer troosers?’ – with my Papa!

When did you first realise you could sing?
I suppose when I began singing those Scottish songs with my Papa. I guess I made my vocal debut in Australia when I sang a song at a family party!

What, for you, makes a good song?
A good story. The best songs are always those which allow you to go on some kind of journey.

You are quite famous for your roles in Musical Theatre. What is it about acting and singing that makes you tick?
I just love it. It was a hobby whilst growing up, now it’s a job, which is a dream come true for me. I get such a buzz from performing. When acting in shows I get to be someone else, when performing in concert I get to be myself. So, I suppose you could say I have the best of both worlds. Acting and singing makes me who I am and helps keep me upbeat and positive.

What are your top three musicals?
1. The Phantom of the Opera
2. Blood Brothers
3. Mrs Henderson Presents

What does Keith Jack like to do when he’s not being musical?
I love to do really normal things – chill with friends; play football; go to the gym; go out to dinner and, of course, go to the theatre!

Next month you will be touring your Movie Nights show. Can you tell us about the project?
The Album and the forthcoming tour, has come from my massive love of films from a young age. I wanted to find a good mix of songs – both young and old – with all different styles and have them led by strings, giving a different feel to all other movie albums.
I feel like we have really achieved this, making it more my own style without losing why people fell in love with the song in the first place.

Can you describe the chemistry between yourself and your Musical Director, Scott Morgan?
We are really good mates and have a great rapport that stems from sharing the same sense of humour, good banter and a love of practical jokes. On stage, as well as being very like-minded in the way we like to approach songs and their arrangements, we have a good laugh. We don’t take each other too seriously and that comes across. It really is a team effort when we are on stage together.

As a Dalkieth lad, how many free tickets have you given away to friends and family for your tour opener at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, East Lothian?
Of course, when performing so close to where I come from, I receive a huge amount of support from friends and family. However, I’m also lucky enough to have a really loyal fan following and they all support me really well, too. Ticket sales for the Brunton Theatre – and, indeed, for all of the dates – are performing very strongly, so it’s quite fortunate that I have quite a small family as I don’t think there’ll be much chance of giving many away.

What will you be doing after the tour?
My career has been so busy recently, which is great! I had, literally, just finished performing in Bill Kenwright’s Saturday Night at the Movies tour, alongside Joe McElderry, before I started preparing for my own Movie Nights tour. Then afterwards, I hardly have the chance to catch my breath before beginning rehearsals for this year’s pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks. I feel so lucky to be constantly doing what I love most!

TOUR DATES

20th October: Brunton Theatre Musselburgh. 

22nd October: Wild Cabaret, Glasgow 

29th October: Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone

2nd November: Pizza Express Live, Birmingham