After his student days reading social science at the University of Sussex, Christopher Howell decided to train as an actor. He’s since carved out a career in some of the best-known musicals of all time, including The Wizard Of Oz, Hairspray, My Fair Lady and Guys And Dolls.

He’s made a return to Sussex in Chichester Festival Theatre’s lavish summer musical 42nd Street as part of a cast that also includes Tim Flavin and Kathryn Evans.

The show runs until August 28. Tickets are available online at www.cft.org.uk or from the box office on 01243 781312.

Is there a performer you particularly admire, and why?

Nathan Lane. What can’t he do?

Comedy, pathos, you name it! When I grow up, he’s who I’d like to be.

Which TV programme couldn’t you live without?

At the moment it’s True Blood – sexy vampires!

It makes me wish I could be undead or at least bitten by some of that cast.

Do you remember the first record you bought – what was it, and where did you buy it?

It was the soundtrack to Grease in 1977 (I know, I don’t look old enough!). My sister and I would perform it for anybody we could … my poor family … I was a terrible John Travolta.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections – something you know is a bit naff but you can’t help yourself.

Hi De Hi – Su Pollard is a mate and I always stick it on when in need of a smile.

Do you have a favourite film?

Star Wars and Singin’ In The Rain.

Star Wars because I am a ’70s child, and Singin’ In The Rain for the brilliance of Gene Kelly and Jean Hagan – heaven!

And what about a favourite album?

I go through phases. At the moment it is The Cat Empire’s self-titled album.

Is there a song or individual piece of music you always come back to?

A song from Nine, the musical, called Unusual Way – one of the best love songs ever written.

What are you reading at the moment?

I just finished The Turn Of The Screw – dark, dark, dark!

Do you have a favourite play?

I love A Winter’s Tale by Shakespeare – so beautiful with the statue at the end.

Tell us about a live experience that sticks in your memory...

I am lucky enough to have seen Michael Jackson twice, Streisand twice, Minelli twice … I found something wonderful and memorable in all the above – it’s about watching living legends do what they do.

Is there a performer that made you want to be an actor yourself?

Denis Quilley in Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane – awesome.

Do you have any special memories from the years you spent in Sussex?

I was at university here in the ’80s – great times. Did lots of theatre and even went on a protest rally with the Students’ Union – radical!

Why do you enjoy performing in musicals?

I love the fusion of all three disciplines. Also, music allows a character to express emotion so clearly – think about the melody to Some Enchanted Evening – genius!

Why do you think that musicals like 42nd Street hold such an enduring appeal?

42nd Street is the backstage musical – a young girl’s meteoric rise to fame.

It’s the X Factor of the 1930s. Also, the show is set in a time of recession and financial uncertainty but delivers a tale of hope – how is that not relevant today?