Happy Father’s Day! To celebrate, I’ve compiled together a list of some of the most beloved fathers (and fatherly figures) from the stage.

Being a father doesn’t mean you always know the answers, but it does mean you are always there to provide your love and advice. Here are some of my top fatherly characters from musicals!

Jackie Elliot – Billy Elliot

Originally, after learning that his son has been going to ballet classes instead of boxing, Jackie Elliot gets into a heated argument with Mrs. Wilkinson – Billy’s ballet teacher. He later rethinks Billy’s future and the dreams his son has. Not wanting his youngest son to end up in a dead-end, low paid job like everyone else in their town, Jackie wants to help his son do the thing that will make him happy. The first time he sees Billy dance, he is overcome by emotion at how talented he is.

Jean Valjean – Les Miserables

After seeing what becomes of Fantine, a former worker in his factory who was fired by his sleazy foreman, he vows to protect her daughter, Cosette, after she passes away. From then onwards, Jean Valjean dedicates his life to providing for and protecting Cosette by any means possible. This extends as far as ensuring Marius’ safety to make sure Cosette isn’t left alone after he is gone. He is a character who keeps his word and demonstrates unconditional love for the girl he raised as his own.

Larry Murphy – Dear Evan Hansen

We don’t know too much about Larry’s relationship with his late son Connor, other than it was troubled. But for Evan he becomes the father figure he never had. Evan’s own dad abandoned him when he was young. These characters both find solace within each other, filling in the void that was left for them both. In ‘To Break In A Glove’ we see a sweet moment from Larry as he gives Evan advice on life, inspired by his own shortcomings.

Oliver Warbucks – Annie

Originally apprehensive about having Annie stay with him, Oliver Warbucks quickly warms to the little orphan and her infectious optimism. After finding out her dream is to meet her parents, he offers a large sum of money for anyone who can provide information. Upon realising that Annie’s parents died years ago, Annie finds a father in Warbucks and he officially adopts her.

Sam, Harry and Bill – Mamma Mia

Why have one dad when you can have three? That’s what Sophie decides in Mamma Mia. She grew up never knowing who her father was. Once she discovers it’s one of these three men, she decides she’ll invite them all to her wedding. Of course, she will realise which one it is when she meets them… right? Not surprisingly, it isn’t that simple. By the end it becomes clear that they are all content with not knowing who her father is because they all want to play a part in Sophie’s life.

Josh – If/Then

‘Hey, Kid’ is one of the most beautiful songs about parenthood I’ve ever heard in a musical. Throughout the song Josh battles the fear of being a bad father alongside the hope and joy that comes with seeing his son for the first time. I think it’s such an underrated song in musical theatre and deserves a lot more love than it gets.

Captain Von Trapp – The Sound of Music

The death of his wife left Georg Von Trapp to raise his nine children alone. He raises his children in a strict manner and there is often no joy in his household. The arrival of Maria helps him to open his heart as he grows closer to his children throughout the musical. He may have struggled with the best way to raise his children, but in the end he always chooses his family.

Lance Du Bois – & Juliet

Lance is a great example of an accepting father who can back down and admit their mistakes. At the beginning of the show, he is assertive that Francois must either marry a woman or join the military. As the story progresses, Francois begins to develop feelings for May. He later confronts his father about pressuring him to marry Juliet and asks him to accept who he is and who he loves. Lance agrees and asks for his son’s forgiveness in a beautiful performance of ‘Shape of My Heart’.

Who is are the father’s from musicals that you adore? Let me know in the comments!