Ramin Karimloo is no stranger to the West End stage, but in the upcoming concert performance of ROAM at the Shaftesbury Theatre, the Tony and Olivier Award nominee takes on a dual role; both as leading actor and member of the producing team. With a high-voltage rock-pop-Romani fusion score and a story rooted in family, identity and survival, ROAM promises to be a powerful new musical experience.
Karimloo’s own journey to the stage has been anything but conventional. “There’s a lot of nomadic qualities about my life,” he reflects. “From where I was born and the story of what we had to go through, to always daydreaming as a kid and listening to storytellers like Kenny Rogers and Tracy Chapman. I never thought of it as just singing, they had something to say.”
That storytelling instinct led him to musical theatre, inspired by seeing Phantom of the Opera. “Colm Wilkinson’s voice reminded me of those artists I loved. It wasn’t about being trained, it was about having something to say. I saw Phantom and thought, what a character with a story to tell. That’s what I want to do.”
Karimloo’s early career was shaped by a relentless work ethic and a willingness to learn. “I went to an open call for a cruise ship and ended up getting it. I learned how to dance for the first time because you had to. It was never ‘I can’t do it’ – it was ‘you have to do it.’ That’s the immigrant mentality. You can’t get fired, you have to get better.”
His time in the UK began with a bet to become the Phantom, and a leap of faith. “The instinct was so loud to me, ‘you’ve got to go to London’, even though I didn’t know anyone here.” That instinct paid off, leading to roles at Regent’s Park and beyond. “I remember singing ‘Make Them Hear You’ at an audition, the only theatre song I knew. I was such a fan of Brian Stokes Mitchell.”
Despite success on both sides of the Atlantic, Broadway was never the ultimate goal. “I turned down Broadway for years before Les Mis. I loved London, I didn’t want to leave my family. But when the offer finally came, something said, ‘you should go do this.’ It’s never been about where, it’s about what the work is.”
That philosophy is at the heart of ROAM, a story Karimloo describes as “ultimately about a family.” Set within a nomadic clan whose caravan breaks down en-route to a sacred festival, the musical explores themes of redemption, identity and belonging. “At the centre is Yoska, a father tormented by loss and regret. It’s a universal story, even though it’s written with a specific cultural reference to the Romani community.”
Karimloo is passionate about the show’s message. “There’s a marginalised community trying to find a place where they can be free and be human. But when you go deeper, it’s about everyone. As a father, a son, a human. There’s so much people will relate to.”
His involvement as a producer stems from a personal journey. “I thought, what is my purpose? I play dress-up for a living, what is all this for? I’m in these great positions, so what am I meant to do with it? It can’t just be about building my own career. There’s got to be ways we pay it forward.”
That led to a deeper collaboration with the creative team. “I met Corey, Michael and Alex, heard the music and thought, let’s get the demo done. I’m investing in these people. They care about humanity, they care about theatre. And the music’s amazing. Michael’s a great writer. They’re collaborative, not precious.”
Karimloo’s character, Yoska, is one he’s still discovering. “He’s flawed, seeking redemption and vengeance. He’s lost when we meet him, and he’s trying to figure out his purpose. Until you shine a mirror on yourself and accept what you see, nothing will heal.”
The rehearsal process has been a revelation. “I was walking my dog, singing the music to myself in a cow field. The more I learn it, the more I get it into the skin. It’s really good. A diamond takes pressure, it takes a while to shine.”
The cast surrounding him is equally inspiring. “Diego Rodriguez (who recently played opposite Rachel Zeglar in Evita) plays one of my sons, he’s got a lot of insight and passion. David Thaxton, who I haven’t shared the stage with since Love Never Dies, brings so much. Jordan Luke Gage is a great human and a writer in his own right. Frances Mayli McCann, well, I’ve been waiting to work with her for so long. It’s a great company. They feel like family.”
Karimloo is quick to highlight the collaborative spirit in the room. “Even when I suggest a lyric change, they’re open. I’m not the lyricist, but they’re great like that. It’s given me a realisation of my own voice too. You learn a lot when you ask questions.”
Asked why audiences should come to ROAM, Karimloo is clear: “You’re going to see something fresh and exciting. The energy is great. The music is fun, sharp, witty. Yes, there are deep, meaningful moments, but it’s also a lot of fun. And when you hear the music and what it asks of this cast, only a few can pull this off, and it’s beautiful.”
ROAM starring Ramin Karimloo is at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 23rd November 2025. Tickets are on sale here.
