Firstly, where have you been touring recently?
Asia. We’ve always done really well out there, especially Japan. That’s the sixth time we’ve been!
How many countries have you been to?
In my lifetime, a lot… Professionally, about 15. We’ve done a lot of America and Canada. I’d love to go to South America – my degree was in Spanish.
Where’s the most random place you’ve been?
Probably Monaco. It was for Jonny Wilkinson’s testimonial. It was surreal. The Prince of Monaco was there. It was a strange but amazing experience. He basically flew us out there to sing two songs! It was a pinch yourself moment; he’s such a massive character.
Were there loads of footballers?
Rugby players!
Oh – embarrassing!
I wouldn’t worry…I’m the least sport-orientated person in the world!
Jamie [second right] with bandmates Matt, Michael and Tom
‘I don’t want to get married in a church’
Would you consider a destination wedding?
My favorite place in the world is Northumberland, where Bamburgh Castle is. I’ve had a dream of being married there for a very long time. I can’t get it out of my head.
Personally, I don’t want a traditional wedding, as I’m not religious. I do think, while it’s important for people who feel they want to get married in a church to be able to do so, I feel a bit badly [treated] by the church, to be honest. I’m not keen on having the most important ceremony of my life there. I would worry whether the person before me was doing so reluctantly.
Where would you go on your honeymoon?
Maybe Norway, or somewhere in Scandinavia.
What’s your favorite destination?
We did our first proper band holiday during the Asia tour. We had four days off and we ended up in Bali in this beautiful villa and didn’t leave. It was this ridiculous paradise with a big infinity pool.
‘We did stay in Olivia Newton John’s old villa, overlooking the Hollywood sign’
What’s been your biggest travel disaster?
We were getting a Delta flight from a show in New York City to a show in LA. It was three hours delayed, and then sat ont he runway for six hours. It was just awful.
Then we got there and they didn’t put our bags on the new flight! But we did stay in Olivia Newton John’s old villa, though, overlooking the Hollywood sign. That was pretty cool!
Where do you stand on visiting or avoiding certain countries because of their anti-LGBTI laws?
This is a really tough question. It’s hard, because the people you’re punishing by not visiting those destinations are often the people who work in the hotels, who are dependent on that kind of work.
I also think, as long as it’s done as safely as possible, if you pressure these hotels… If we say, ‘No, we’re going to come to your destinations’, then the hotel chains start to put pressure on the tourism industries and you start to make a difference.
‘I’ve been to many countries where homosexuality is frowned upon or illegal’
So I think, as long as it’s safe, you should go. But obviously, don’t go to Uganda, where there’s an enormous anti-gay movement and go in the street, because you’ll get hurt. You’ve got to assess each situation differently. I’ve been to many countries where homosexuality is frowned upon or illegal. I know my mum worries about me when I do these things.
Have you ever experienced homophobia or discrimination abroad?
There’s always a systemic, passive homophobia we experience in everyday society. And these things are often much worse elsewhere than in the UK. But no, to be honest with you, I haven’t. Most places I’ve been, like the American Deep South, our fans are very accepting, wonderful and kind. But I know there are a lot of problems there, especially in red states where homophobia may be more of an issue.
I’ve not experienced it, but I have friends who have. But again, I don’t think the option is to stop going. Texas, for example – we’ve been and we loved it, and the people. By not going, you’re abandoning the LGBT people who live there.
In October, the Collabro guys are sailing from Southampton to Amsterdam as part of Floating Festivals‘ ‘Stages – the Musical Theatre Festival at Sea’. Tell us more…
Of course. We’re one of the headline acts. It’s a cruise on the Royal Carribbean Navigator of the Seas. That’s the ship’s name. It’s essentially a festival at sea. A festival, but glamorous. Without all the mud and the tents, and with nice food!
The other idea behind it is, you’re in close quarters with the performers. So you’ve got us, you’ve got Michael Bell, Beverley Knight, Lee Mead, Arlene Phillips, Marti Webb, Christina Bianc0… We’ve got these really big musical theater names who are all going to be there. It’s to Amsterdam and back, and you spend your time watching shows. We might be on in the theater and then Marti in the piano lounge. It’s the first thing of it’s kind, and it’s very exciting
‘Don’t turn up for your flight in your pyjama bottoms if you want an upgrade’
What’s your tip top for making it through a long haul flight?
Take entertainment, a comfortable eye mask and a humidification mask. And wine.
Any tips on how to score an upgrade?
Always dress nicely. There’s a temptation to arrive in your pyjamas, but I always turn up looking smart, and have pyjama bottoms in my hand luggage that I can change into.
Which country has the most attractive people?
I don’t have a type. Everyone’s got lovely cultural things I enjoy. Everyone in the US is super friendly. In Japan, everyone’s super polite and considerate.
Finally, what’s been your maddest travel experience?
We did the BBC Proms in Glasgow in 2016. We got a phone call two days beforehand saying ‘a rich gentleman wants you to come perform at his birthday party. They’re going to put you on a private jet from Glasgow to London as soon as you’ve finished the Proms…’
Stages departs Southampton for four nights from 15 October 2018 and includes a full day in Amsterdam. For more details go to FloatingFestivals.co.uk.
