Luke Baker Takes on Frankie Valli as Jersey Boys Hits Wales Millennium Centre
When Jersey Boys rolls into Wales Millennium Centre this month, it arrives with a fresh surge of energy — and a leading man who has spent years preparing for the moment he finally steps into Frankie Valli’s iconic shoes.
Luke Baker, who has built a career across major UK productions from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to Billy Elliot, describes Frankie as “one of those pinnacle moments in your career where you can really explore an amazing character and an amazing voice.”
It’s a role he first chased during the post‑COVID Trafalgar run, making it through ten rounds of auditions before narrowly missing out. “I didn’t have it refined at all,” he admits. “It was a raw attack.” But the near‑miss lit a fire. When he spotted the new UK tour announced on Instagram over breakfast, he told his wife he was going back in — before his agent even called. Within a week, he was invited to audition again. This time, he landed it.
Interview Transcript — Luke Baker on Jersey Boys
(Edited for clarity, structure and readability. Listen in Full at the Bottom of this Article)
Luke Baker: We’re doing the Jersey Boys UK tour, and Frankie Valli… what a part. It’s such a challenge. It feels like one of those pinnacle moments in your career where you can really go for it and explore an amazing character and an amazing voice.
I read recently that it’s been on your bucket list to play Frankie for years. What drew you in?
Luke: You always want to challenge yourself in this industry, and I’m not sure, as a male, there are many roles more challenging than Frankie. It’s like the Elphaba of male musical theatre. I first auditioned for Frankie when it was coming into the Trafalgar, coming out of COVID. I genuinely didn’t know if I could sing Frankie or not.
I’d been in for Jersey Boys a few times over the years, and my agent asked if I wanted to go in again. I said, “Yes — but this time for Frankie.” He asked if I could sing it, and I said, “Well, there’s only one way to find out.” You don’t really try out that voice unless you have to. It wasn’t something on my radar at drama school.
During COVID we did about ten rounds of auditions. I got right down to the end stages, and it didn’t go my way — probably for the better, because I didn’t have it refined. It was a raw attack at it. Over the next couple of years I kept thinking: if it comes around again, I’ll be prepared.
Then one morning I was having breakfast with my wife and saw the new tour advertised on Instagram. I said, “Right, I’m going in again.” Within a week my agent called: “You’re back in.” I decided to give it absolutely everything — total focus. The rest is up to the gods. And I got the job. It was a relief. Right place, right time.
You barely leave the stage in Act One. How do you manage that energy?
Luke: You’ve got to rest when you can during the day. Some people love filling their days with activities on tour — I rest and hydrate. I get in early, do a big warm‑up, then a company warm‑up. It’s about pacing the show and giving the right energy to the right numbers at the right time. If you give 100% constantly, you’ll burn out.
My dad saw it the other day and said Act Two is basically a massive gig. Everything is live — no click track — and the harmonies are so tight. It’s a massive machine, and we rely on everyone being consistent. That’s why the show works after 20 years.
For anyone who hasn’t seen Jersey Boys, what is it?
Luke: It’s structured around the Four Seasons — summer, spring, autumn, winter — and each member gives their version of events. You follow Tommy DeVito recruiting Frankie, then Bob Gaudio joining as the genius songwriter. They write Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man — three number ones in a row.
But the show also reveals the personal lives: Tommy’s debts, Frankie taking them on, Nick leaving, Bob stepping back, Frankie going solo. You get Working My Way Back to You, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, and the struggles of being on his own. Every song is a hit. It’s a show for everybody — we even had a newborn baby in the audience last week.
The audience is famously loyal.
Luke: Absolutely. People come back time after time. I’ve had people at stage door say they’ve seen it over 300 times around the world. It’s their show. And like Burger King or McDonald’s, it has to “taste the same” everywhere — the product has to be consistent. So far, so good. The whole cast is fab.
What’s next on your bucket list?
Luke: I honestly don’t know. Musicals always take me by surprise. I’ve ticked off so many boxes — originating Jamie, playing Link Larkin, Ren in Footloose, Tony in Billy Elliot, being in Olivier‑winning productions. Sometimes I think I’m done with musicals and want to focus on TV and film… then something comes along.
Watch out for a film I did called Christmas in Wales, where I play an American soldier. And I did the EastEnders 40th anniversary episode live. Ideally I want to mix everything — as long as it’s a challenge and a desirable part.
You’re coming to Cardiff soon — anything you’re looking forward to?
Luke: I love Cardiff. I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. There’s always great coffee, great things to do. The castle is brilliant. I’ll probably head to some of the beaches.
Cardiff, he’s ready for you
Baker has a soft spot for Cardiff — its coffee, its castle, its coastline. And this month, he’ll be adding one more memory: leading one of the most beloved musicals of the last two decades on the Wales Millennium Centre stage.
Jersey Boys arrives in Cardiff with its trademark tight harmonies, powerhouse storytelling, and a Frankie Valli who has fought hard — and trained harder — to bring the role to life.