1. Edna Turnblad is a wonderful character. Are you looking forward to donning a dress, wig and make up and being married to Mel Smith?
More than you can imagine! When I saw the show over four years ago I knew I wanted this part, but didn't think anyone would see me in the role, so I can't wait to get up there and strut my stuff. Mel is going to be quite brilliant in the role and I couldn't want for a better other half, he has funny bones and is a natural for musical theatre.

2. Hairspray is a huge Broadway hit. How do you think the UK audiences will react to it?
Any audience anywhere in the world cannot help but be excited by entering the world of the Turnblad's.

3. What is it about the show and this role that appeals to you?
The Money! Don't be daft, have you seen it? It is the best part in one of the best shows ever, I'm in Heaven.

4. You have played so many parts in the theatre over the years - what is your career highlight to date?
Just a few weeks ago, performing my own prom at the Royal Albert Hall by night, whilst playing Edna by day, I love my life sometimes.

5. Which role in musical theatre would you love to play and who would be your fantasy co-star?
I would love to play 'Sweeney Todd' and getting Barbra Streisand to return to the stage as Mrs Lovett would be fantastic.

6. What was the last West End show you saw and did you enjoy it?
I recently watched Evita and I loved it. Elena Roger is clearly a force to be reckoned with on the West End stage.

7. You played Marius in the original production of Les Miserables. Do you have fond memories of your time in the show and can you believe it is now the longest running musical in the World?
Yes, it was the most exciting time for a young actor, less than a year out of drama school. None of us were quite sure if we were in the greatest show ever, or in something that was too ahead of it's time and wouldn't find an audience. How amazing to see 22 years later it is still finding new generations to inspire.

8. Do you have a particular favourite composer? Whose work do you most enjoy performing?
All the greatest composers have good and bad days. I just love singing great music whether written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Sondheim, Marc Shaiman or Gershwin.

9. You are a multi-platinum recording artist and known as having the best belt voice in the business. When did you first discover you had this talent?
Just now, you sweet talking fool!

10. Have you seen the new Hairspray feature film starring John Travolta? If so, what did you think?
I loved it, it's different from the stage show in many ways, one of which is John Travolta's timid, sweet and rather understated performance. It is a great introduction to the stage show.

Get tickets to see Michael Ball in Hairspray.