West End star brings passion and drama to Nine at LOWRY

Ramin Karimloo is a West End and Broadway performer who has starred in some iconic musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Funny Girls and Miss Saigon.

Lowry audiences will get to see him in Salford, when he steps onto the Lyric Theatre stage as Guido in a concert version of the hit musical Nine, which is being staged by the Hope Mill Theatre.

We caught up with him to find out more about his career, Manchester and his love of Nine and his character, Guido Contini.

Ramin Karimloo as Guido

How did you get involved with this concert?

I was approached by the producers and creative team, who had a vision for this concert version of Nine. When they shared their passion for the project and the amazing cast they were assembling, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. It’s a story with such rich emotional layers, and the opportunity to explore Guido’s complexities in a concert format was very exciting.

What are your favourite songs from Nine and why?

One of my favourites has to be “Unusual Way” because of its emotional resonance—it’s such a beautifully crafted song that really captures the heart of the show. I also love “Guido’s Song” because it perfectly encapsulates his inner turmoil and charm. It’s a piece that’s fun to perform but also deeply introspective.

What would you say has been the role that has made you the proudest?

This may sound like a cop-out but I have loved playing most of my roles with equal measure. I’m proud of what each has offered and what I’ve learned and gained from as an artist.

Describe the buzz you still feel when you step onto the stage?

There’s nothing quite like it. The energy from the audience is palpable, and it fuels your performance. It’s a mix of excitement and responsibility—you want to give them a memorable experience. The moment before stepping on stage is always electric, knowing you have the chance to take them on a journey, to make them feel something profound.

You appeared in Miss Saigon in Manchester – are you looking forward to returning?

Absolutely! Manchester has a vibrant theatre scene, and I’ve always felt a strong connection with the audiences there. It’s a city that embraces the arts, and returning feels like coming home to a place that really appreciates live performance.

You’ll be appearing alongside a phenomenal female cast – have you worked with any of your co-stars before?

Yes, I’ve had the privilege of working with a few of them in past productions. It’s always exciting to collaborate with such talented performers. When you have a cast of this calibre, it elevates the entire experience. I’m looking forward to the chemistry we’ll create together on stage and bringing this powerful story to life.

Why would you recommend audiences come to this concert version of Nine?

This concert version allows the music and storytelling to shine in a unique way. Nine is such an intricate and passionate piece, and seeing it in this format highlights the emotional depth and beauty of the score. Plus, with such an incredible cast, it’s going to be a truly special night of theatre.

Tickets for Nine in Concert at Lowry

 Ramin Karimloo stars in Hope Mill – Nine in Concert at Lowry from 1^st – 2^nd February and you can buy tickets here