Ben Forster has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world, but there’s still one theatre that gives him goosebumps every time he steps onto it. As he prepares to bring his powerhouse vocals to Manchester’s AO Arena for the Christmas Musical Spectacular this December, we caught up with the musical theatre star for a chat about his career, childhood dreams and the icons he’d love to share a coffee with.

First up, though, Ben had to face our trusty pencil case of wonder. Was he feeling brave?

“Oh, I’m always feeling brave,” he laughed. “You’ve got to be brave to be a musical theatre performer!”

With performances spanning Tokyo, China, Australia and London, choosing his favourite stage wasn’t easy. But one West End theatre holds a special place in his heart.

“I would have to say His Majesty’s Theatre, where I performed Phantom of the Opera. It’s just the most classic, beautiful building. It has such an amazing musical energy and theatricality about the space, and I get tingles every time I perform there. I love it so much.”

When it comes to musical icons, there’s one person Ben would jump at the chance to meet: Bette Midler. His ideal coffee date would take place in a little Soho café, watching London life go by and, naturally, having a good gossip.

“She’s an amazing, iconic performer. She’s hilarious, she’s got an amazing personality, and I think she’d have so much to say.”

The pair would even have a song in mind for a duet: Midler’s classic The Wind Beneath My Wings, which has been a favourite of Ben’s since childhood.

“I remember being an eight-year-old geek in my bedroom singing into the mirror. I just loved her so much. I still do.”

That childhood love of performing was no passing phase. Ben knew from an early age that he wanted to be on stage, having joined an amateur dramatic society at around five years old.

“It was the highlight of my week, being part of this lovely community group, being on stage, singing and performing. I always really knew that if I was ever good enough, that’s what I would want to do.”

There was another side to young Ben, though. Away from the stage, he loved nature, animals and photographing wildlife. Had musical theatre not worked out, he could have found himself behind the camera on a David Attenborough documentary.

“I’d love to just sit and wait for amazing things to happen. I think I would find quite a lot of happiness being the person who captured those amazing moments you see on David Attenborough shows.”

One thing he definitely wouldn’t want to capture, let alone eat, is an oyster. Asked what dish he’d dread being served at a friend’s dinner party, Ben didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely disgusting, awful alien creatures! Something that you have to put in your mouth and swallow that you can’t chew… no, it’s not for me.”

Thankfully, there’s plenty on the menu at the Christmas Musical Spectacular that Ben is looking forward to. The two-night event at the AO Arena brings together an extraordinary cast, including Michael Ball, Keala Settle, Loren Allred and Kerry Ellis, with Aled Jones hosting.

Ben was delighted to be invited to join the line-up, which includes several friends and performers he greatly admires.

“Michael Ball is a friend of mine and an absolute national treasure. Love him. Kerry Ellis is a dear friend,” he said, adding that Keala Settle and Loren Allred are both outstanding performers.

Returning to Manchester Arena was another big draw. Ben previously performed Jesus Christ Superstar there in 2012 and 2014, and he has fond memories of the city’s audiences.

“I love Manchester, one of my favourite crowds that you can perform to in the world. I love being back up north. So, for me, it’s like, hands up, yes, I’m in. One hundred per cent.”

Having appeared in large-scale productions around the world, Ben knows what it takes to put on a spectacular show, but this one has already impressed him.

“This is on another level,” he said. “The set is really, really beautiful. The producers have put a lot of thought and effort into it. It’s very glamorous, very Christmassy. It’s really beautiful.”

A huge live orchestra, impressive lighting and some of musical theatre’s most-loved songs will help create an immersive experience, with every note performed live. Ben was particularly taken with the lighting planned for his performance of Gethsemane.

“I was sent it the other day to see if I was happy, and I was like, that’s the best Gethsemane will ever look!”

The festive timing is also part of the magic. Taking place in the week before Christmas, the show promises a chance for friends and families to come together and enjoy an evening of music and celebration.

Audiences can expect iconic musical theatre moments alongside Christmas classics, with the cast performing some of the songs they’re best known for. Kerry Ellis will bring her celebrated performance of Defying Gravity, while Keala Settle will perform This Is Me and Loren Allred will showcase the voice behind Never Enough from The Greatest Showman. Ben will perform songs from his own career, while Michael Ball will mix his signature hits with festive favourites.

“You’re going to leave there feeling like you have seen each of us do our iconic moments,” Ben said. “You’re going to get the best of both worlds.”

Despite an impressive career filled with major roles, there’s still one part Ben is hoping to play: Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.

Musical theatre schedules can make landing a particular role tricky, with performers often committed to a production for a year at a time. For Ben, the timing has never quite worked out over the past two decades.

“I’m sort of vying for an opportunity to play Jean Valjean in Les Mis and sing Bring Him Home on the West End stage,” he explained. “I’ve got Bring Him Home on my album, and I perform it in most concerts that I do, but getting to do the actual role would be a dream for me, something I still need to tick off.”

His album, Musicals Greatest Hits, was another dream project, although getting it made proved a huge undertaking. Ben wanted a grand, symphonic sound and was fortunate enough to record with a 90-piece orchestra.

“It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in my career,” he admitted. “I really wanted it to be perfect, and I wanted it to be a big, symphonic, beautiful, original sound.”

He’s proud of the finished album and hopes there may be another in the future. In the meantime, he’s encouraging fans to give it a listen on streaming services.

“The more people listen to my album, the more people review it and say yes, hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to do another one.”

With a lifelong passion for performing, a dream role still to pursue and a spectacular festive show on the horizon, Ben Forster is clearly right where he belongs. And with an outstanding cast, a live orchestra and some of the biggest songs in musical theatre, the Christmas Musical Spectacular promises to bring plenty of sparkle to Manchester just in time for the big day.

One thing’s for sure: it sounds like a much better way to get into the Christmas spirit than eating oysters!