Hugh Jackman: Theatre work keeps me sharp

Hugh Jackman thinks performing live “sharpens [him] up”.

The Australian actor is involved in film and musical theatre. He played the role of Billy Bigelow in the musical Carousel in 2002, and won the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his 2003-2004 Broadway role in The Boy from Oz.

Hugh gets a thrill from being on stage.

“I genuinely love performing live. It’s a blast. It sharpens me up, too – it’s a workout vocally, physically, in every way,” he told Empire magazine. “And also it’s just me on my own. I have to step up a little bit.

“I know a movie has my name on it and all that, but there are so many people involved.”

Hugh also discussed the kind of projects he’d like to be involved with in the future.

The 42-year-old is appearing in the film adaptation of Les Misérables, and hopes the role will bring him more opportunities.

“Madeline Stowe, the actress, has a script she’s written and is going to direct which is beautiful. It’s called Unbound Captives and I’d love to be involved in that,” he said.

“I also love the musical Carousel – I think it’s timeless, but I’m not sure studios are convinced yet. Maybe if Les Mis does well, it’ll get some purchase. But apart from that, we’ll just see how it goes, you know'”