Singer and actor Sam Ebenzer sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. Sam is currently in The Choir of Man. Currently on tour around the UK – get tickets here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
One of my favourite shows is ‘Oliver!’, purely for nostalgic reasons. This was the show that got me into Musical Theatre after playing the role of Oliver when I was 10 years old in my local theatre in Aberystwyth.
Favourite theatre?
I have been very fortunate to perform in a few different theatres, especially this year whilst on tour. My favourite has been the Welsh Millennium Centre, but I am biased as a Welshman.
Favourite song?
My favourite song will totally depend on my mood. But at the moment I am loving ‘Some Things I’ll Never Know’ by Teddy Swims.
Favourite music?
I honestly enjoy listening to many styles of music but you can guarantee that when I jump on a piano, I will start singing some Elton John, or blasting a bit of Sam Fender or Scary Pockets through my headphones.
Favourite food?
Anything Italian. A pasta dish with some seafood and I am happy.
Favourite drink?
Easy – cup of tea! Multiple times throughout the day.
What is your favourite role to play in The Choir of Man?
The thing I enjoy the most about being a swing in The Choir of Man is how I get the opportunity to perform as different characters all the time. It keeps the show fresh and exciting for me. The Poet will always have a place in my heart as I played the role for 6 months in London, but I do enjoy the chaos of Joker every now and again.
What was your first role?
As previously mentioned, Oliver was the first role I ever played at The Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
And what role would you really like to play?
I have never been one to get my heart set on a role or show too much. It’s a difficult industry with lots of auditions and rejections, so I have always tried to be more laid back and open to whichever opportunities arise. I started to have this approach with the industry when I was performing in The Mousetrap. I never wanted to perform in a play, but I was glad that I took the job as it was one of the most rewarding contracts I have done.
If you weren’t a performer, what would you be?
I always had my heart set on performing, but if I had to do something else, I think I would have become a teacher.
What made you decide to be a performer?
I always enjoyed singing as a kid, and growing up in Wales, I would always compete in the Eisteddfod, which is the largest youth festival in Europe, where kids can compete in various singing, dancing and recital competitions. After winning the musical theatre competition when I was 15, I knew that this was the route I wanted to take, and decided to audition for drama schools in London.
Do you enjoy touring?
This is the first time I have ever been on a UK tour and it’s been great. It’s so easy to forget how many beautiful places there are in the UK, and when the company is great around you, it makes exploring even more enjoyable.
What advice would you give the 16-year-old you?
Work hard, play harder! It’s important to knuckle down and get the work done, but equally if you are not enjoying yourself along the way, then what’s the point? There is often a lot of pressure in this industry, especially through drama school and when you first graduate, so just know it will all work out ok.
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
It is something I would love to do in the future and something I have already started making small steps towards. If I decide I don’t want to perform anymore, I believe this may be the route I go down.
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Unfortunately, it’s been difficult to watch any theatre whilst on tour, but at the start of the year I was visiting my girlfriend on Norwegian Cruise Line and watched her perform in Beetlejuice, which was the first time I’d ever seen the show and absolutely loved it.
If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
I wish I could give you a more profound answer to this question, like being the prime minister for the day so I could make some positive change to the world. But I don’t think I’d want to be another human. I think it would be more fun being an animal for the day. I’d choose a dog, living its best life, running around the park with nothing to worry about all day.
What are the nicest/weirdest things you have ever received from fans?
I have received some incredible paintings and photos over the years, but nothing too weird thankfully.
Sam Ebenzer stars in The Choir of Man on tour until December 2026 – more details here