{{for|the Australian cricketer|Keith Jack (cricketer)}} {{short description|British actor}} {{Use British English|date=October 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} {{multiple issues| {{notability|Biographies|date=September 2013}} {{third-party|date=September 2013}} }} '''Keith Jack''' (born 2 March 1988) is a British actor and singer. He was the runner-up on the BBC reality talent show ''Any Dream Will Do'', which offered the chance to be the next West End Joseph for the hit musical ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. He lost out to Lee Mead in the final on 9 June 2007.
== Early life ==
Before his appearances on ''Any Dream Will Do'', Jack was studying performance skills in Edinburgh and a HNC in Musical Theatre at Telford College, also in Edinburgh.<ref>{{cite news | title=Any Dream Will Do – Keith profile | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/josephs/keith.shtml | publisher= BBC }}</ref> Since winning the 2006 ''Chicago Rock Café Rock Idol'' contest, held in the English West Midlands, he has been a student of celebrity vocal coach Carrie Grant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midlothianadvertiser.co.uk/news?articleid=1903884|title=News - Midlothian Advertiser|website=www.midlothianadvertiser.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/therazz/daily/tm_headline=join-keith-s-dream-with-rock-idol&method=full&objectid=19317296&siteid=66633-name_page.html/ |title=Join Keith's Dream with Rock Idol |first=Beverley |last=Lyons |work=Daily Record |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202725/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/therazz/daily/tm_headline%3Djoin-keith-s-dream-with-rock-idol%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19317296%26siteid%3D66633-name_page.html/ |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/05/23/44852.shtml/|title=Keith's Video Diary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728195422/http://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/05/23/44852.shtml/ |publisher=BBC |date=23 May 2007 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref> Jack attended St. David's High School in Dalkeith, where he performed in various Christmas concerts and other events.
== ''Any Dream Will Do'' ==
Since the start of ''Any Dream Will Do'', Jack was noted as a strong contender; his vocals in particular were praised very highly. The main criticisms directed at him were his diction and his physical appearance: some judges thought he looked 'too young' to play Joseph. However, by the end of the series, Jack was widely regarded as the strongest singer on the programme. John Barrowman and vocal coach Zoe Tyler in particular were full of praise. Barrowman said: "That was brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, son! You have a voice of gold."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/06/02/45272.shtml |title=The Semi-final |publisher=BBC |date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603080328/http://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/06/02/45272.shtml |archive-date=3 June 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref> Tyler commented: "When I hear you sing now, you knock me for six."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/06/09/45572.shtml |title=The Final |publisher=BBC |date=9 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715125226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/joseph/news/2007/06/09/45572.shtml |archive-date=15 July 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref>
Denise van Outen described Keith as a "Young John Barrowman", while Bill Kenwright called Keith's talents "frightening". The panel was particularly impressed with his performances of "Love Is All Around", "Always on My Mind," "Could It Be Magic" and "For Once in My Life".
=== Performances on ''Any Dream Will Do'' ===
* Show One – "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen * Show Two – "Who Am I" by Will Young * Show Three – "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John * Show Four – "Love Is All Around" by Wet Wet Wet * Show Five – "Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson * Show Six – "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison as well as "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra (group number; performed with Ben Ellis and Lewis Bradley) * Show Seven – "Let Me Entertain You" by Robbie Williams * Semi-final – "Could It Be Magic" by Barry Manilow and "Only You" from the musical ''Starlight Express'' (duet; performed with Ben Ellis) * Final – "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, "Moondance" by Van Morrison and "Always on My Mind" (encore).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/news/index.shtml|title=BBC - Any Dream Will Do - News|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
== Later career ==
Jack performed at the ''Picnic in the Parliament'' concert outside the Scottish Parliament on 30 June 2007. "As my first performance since the final, I am proud it will be not only in Scotland but on a day celebrating Scottish talent," he said.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-07/pa07-067.htm/ |title=Rising star to perform for home crowd in Parliament gardens |publisher=Scottish Parliament |date=29 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705030947/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-07/pa07-067.htm/ |archive-date=5 July 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref>
On 28 June 2007, ''The Scotsman'' reported that Jack was into entering a record deal with Louis Walsh, the fruition of which was to be an album of pop, classical and theatrical music.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=1010042007 |title=Keith's on song with some help from Louis |work=The Scotsman |date=28 June 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202024015/http://www.scotsman.com/news/keith-s-on-song-with-some-help-from-louis-1-1323102 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 February 2019 }}</ref> This did not materialise, and Jack asked Adam Quest, his mentor and vocal coach, to try to broker a new recording deal on his behalf. Within a week, Jack was signed to John Mclaughlin's record label X-Phonics in Glasgow.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
From October 2007, Keith was in Bill Kenwright's national touring production of ''Joseph'', starring as the Narrator, alongside fellow ''Any Dream Will Do'' contestants Craig Chalmers (as Joseph) and Chris Barton (as Benjamin).{{fact|date=February 2022}} A second tour followed in late summer 2009.{{update inline|date=May 2015}} When Mead's contract expired, Jack was asked if he wanted to take over. He rejected the offer, and continued to tour with Chalmers and Barton.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
Jack recorded his debut album early in 2008. A charity single, "When a Child is Born" was released via download on 10 December 2007. "If an Angel falls from Heaven" was available to download from 8 December 2008.{{update inline|date=May 2015}}
In August 2008, Jack performed in the premiere of the musical ''Only the Brave'' at the Edinburgh Festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Only the Brave, the Musical – Official Website |url=http://www.onlythebrave.co.uk |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915000927/http://www.onlythebrave.co.uk/ |archive-date=15 September 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In June 2008, he performed in the ''Choices for Life'' tour, for children in Primary 7 across Scotland. The same month, Jack performed at Bo'ness Children's Fair Day.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
His debut album was released on 22 September that year, entitled ''This Time''. Jack toured England and Scotland in September and October 2008 to promote the album. He also sang "Uptown Girl" with Daniel Boys and Ben James-Ellis on John Barrowman's album ''Music Music Music''.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
December 2008 through to January 2009 saw Jack in pantomime, playing the title role in ''Peter Pan'', alongside Alan Fletcher (aka Dr. Karl Kennedy from ''Neighbours'') at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
On 31 December 2008, Jack performed at the Aberdeen Hogmanay Street Party, alongside Sandi Thom and Amy Macdonald.{{fact|date=February 2022}}
Jack performed as part of ''Showstopppers!'' at Musical Theatre @ George Square as part of the Edinburgh Fringe on 17 August 2009.{{update inline|date=May 2015}} That year, appeared in pantomime at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow as Aladdin.{{update inline|date=May 2015}}
In Croydon, on 17 July 2010, Jack took over the coloured coat from Chalmers and began his debut performance as Joseph. From 2 December 2010 to 8 January 2011, Jack played the Prince in the Glasgow Kings Theatre production of ''Sleeping Beauty''.
In 2012, Jack played Joseph in the UK tour, opposite Jennifer Potts as the narrator.
From 18 December 2012 to 6 January 2013, Jack played Prince Charming in ''Cinderella'' at the Whitley Bay Playhouse.{{update inline|date=May 2015}}
Jack finished in ''Joseph'' in May 2013, after six years in the musical (on and off), passing the role on to Ian "H" Watkins (of Steps). The following month, it was announced that Jack would be returning to the stage as the lead in a brand new musical, ''Sincerely, Mr Toad'' (about the life of author Kenneth Grahame), with Sell A Door Theatre Company.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.whatsonstage.com/edinburgh-theatre/news/06-2013/keith-jack-stars-in-new-musical-about-life-of-kenn_30911.html |title=Keith Jack stars in new musical about life of Kenneth Grahame |first=Theo |last=Bosanquet |work=What's on Stage |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=22 July 2014}}</ref>
Jack played The Prince at Ipswich Regent's pantomime production of ''Sleeping Beauty'', which ran from 17 December 2016 until 2 January 2017. He joined Magic Beans in their 2017/18 production of ''Snow White'' at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. He was also a guest vocalist touring with Joe McElderry to promote the latter's album, which also featured Ben James-Ellis and Sam Callahan.
In 2022, Jack joined the cast of Dreamcoat Stars, which also features several other actors who have played the role of Joseph. The production is currently touring the UK as of 2023.
Jack also is a co producer of John Barrowman’s UK tours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Entertainment |first=Red |date=2025-02-17 |title=Keith Jack - Producer |url=https://redentertainment.co.uk/2025/02/17/keith-jack-producer/ |access-date=2026-05-11 |website=Red Entertainment |language=en-GB}}</ref>
===Theatre credits=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Theatre ! Location ! Notes |- | 2007 || ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' || Narrator || {{n/a}} || UK national tour || |- | 2008 || ''Only The Brave'' || Charlie || George Square Theatre || Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh || World premiere |- | 2008-09 || ''Peter Pan'' || Peter Pan || Her Majesty's Theatre || Aberdeen || Pantomime debut |- | 2009 || ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat''|| Narrator || {{n/a}} || UK national tour || |- | 2009 || ''Showstoppers!'' || Himself || George Square Theatre || Edinburgh Festival Fringe || |- | 2009 || ''Aladdin'' || Aladdin || King's Theatre || Glasgow || Pantomime |- | 2010-13 || ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' || Joseph || {{n/a}} || UK national tour || |- | 2010-11 || ''Sleeping Beauty'' || Prince Charming || King's Theatre || Glasgow || Pantomime |- | 2012-13 || ''Cinderella'' || Prince Charming || Whitley Bay Playhouse || Whitley Bay || |- | 2013 || ''Sincerely, Mr Toad'' || Alistair || Sell A Door Theatre Company || Edinburgh Festival Fringe || World premiere |- | 2014 || ''H.M.S Pinafore'' || Ralph Rackstraw || {{n/a}} || UK national tour || |- | 2016-17 || ''Sleeping Beauty'' || Prince Charming || Regent Theatre || Ipswich || Pantomime |- | 2017-18 || ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' || The Stag Theatre || Sevenoaks || Pantomime |- | 2018-19 || ''Fame'' || Nick || {{n/a}} || UK national tour || |- |rowspan="2"| 2022 || ''Sunshine on Leith'' || Ally ||rowspan="2"| Pitlochry Festival Theatre ||rowspan="2"| Pitlochry ||<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jun/02/sunshine-on-leith-review-stirring-journey-from-misery-to-happiness | title = Sunshine on Leith review – stirring journey from 'misery to happiness' | last = Fisher | first = Mark | date = 2022-06-02 | newspaper = The Guardian | access-date = 2022-06-23 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220622012355/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jun/02/sunshine-on-leith-review-stirring-journey-from-misery-to-happiness | archive-date = 2022-06-22}}</ref> |- |''Noises Off'' || Freddie Fellowes ||<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pollock |first1=David |title=Review: Classic comedy Noises Off a great way to welcome theatre back indoors at Pitlochry |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/theatre/3370059/noises-off-pitlochry/ |date=7 June 2022 |website=The Courier |access-date=30 August 2022}}</ref> |}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Andrew Lloyd Webber musical revival search}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jack, Keith}} Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:British male stage actors