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Steven Houghton began a career in theatre and television
by training in classical ballet and contemporary dance.
Even at this age he was winning awards and scholarships
for his work, evidence of the talent that would win him many fans
in later life.
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| Rough and ready: Steven shows off the stubble
he'll be shaving as the face of an international razor brand. |
"You have to work really hard to be a good
dancer – and all my efforts paid off with breaks that took
me to the West End
"I was in a number of musicals such as the
Children of Eden, Martin Guerre and CATS playing the part of Munkustrap.
I even got to tour the country as the leather-clad ultra cool Danny
Zuko in Grease."
From climbing ladders to beanstalks
But it was leaving the stage for the role of TV
fire-fighter Gregg Blake in London's Burning that really brought
Steven into the public eye. It may have only been for one series
but his good looks soon led to other parts, such as Ed in Bugs.
It wasn't just his acting that was gaining attention.
A good singing voice earned him a recording contract with an album
Steven Houghton that went Gold with sales of over 200,000.
The single Wind Beneath My Wings stayed in the
Top Ten for ten weeks in 1997 selling some 600,000 copies.
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| Prince and Princess: Lucy Hunter-James and
Steven Houghton in Jack and the Beanstalk |
Steven will be putting his fine voice to good use
in the panto this year.
"I have four numbers including a Blues Brothers
style – but my favourite has to be 'I will go the distance'
from the film Hercules."
New album
Steven may be using time between shows to write
more of his own songs that he hopes will turn into a new album.
He could have added to his growing fame by becoming
a film star too. Steven was offered a part in Lord of the Rings
but had to turn it down as he had already accepted the part in the
West End musical 'Spend, Spend, Spend' .
"I can't say which I like best between TV
and the stage and the singing. I've just enjoyed all the experiences
I've had."
Jack in the Beanstalk won't be Steven's first panto.
"Three years ago I was in Cardiff playing opposite Melinda
Messenger in Cinderella," he said.
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| One time Flying Picket Brian Hibbard also
stars. |
This year he is surrounded by a strong cast at
the Theatre Royal and says he is looking forward to his role as
the Prince.
"Panto is the best time in theatre. It's such
fun and everyone mucks in. The atmosphere is great - and best of
all panto means it's Christmas time again!"
So smooth
When Steven hangs up his Prince Casper tights it
looks like he may be heading back to the West End.
He could soon be taking over from Michael Ball
as Caractacus Potts in the new hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Also look out for Steven on the
small screen in a TV commercial for the razor last seen in the new
Bond movie.
He beat off competition from 90
male models to land the part that included a trip to Prague for
the filming.
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