Oliver Watton is currently in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. He has had a career spanning across Theatre, Film and Television. His Theatre credits include The Sound Of Music, Kes, The Witches of Eastwick and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His Film and Television credits include Postcards, Casualty and Hollyoaks. Oliver talks to West End Frame about Wicked, the differences between working on Television and Theatre and his hopes for the future...
You are currently in the West End production of Wicked, are you enjoying it?
Very much. I absolutely adore this show. It’s so beautifully put together. It’s exciting and moving and funny and all the things a musical should be. I remember seeing the original cast here in London and being blown away by the whole production. To be part of it now feels like a dream come true. I still have moments where I have to pinch myself.
It’s hard work though as it’s such a busy show for the ensemble but of course it’s also great fun. I feel very lucky to be not only in a job that I love but also blessed with one of the friendliest companies I’ve ever been in. I’m thrilled to be staying on for another contract.
What is it like understudying the lead role of Fiyero?
I was so excited to be offered Fiyero as an understudy. It’s great to have my own show track to do as well as learn and rehearse this role. It’s fun to play such a dashing character and he has some great scenes with both leading ladies in the show.
I think it’s always good to find the human qualities in every character. There’s a reason people act the way they do and Fiyero certainly isn’t as shallow and self absorbed as he appears or even claims to be. It’s nice that he has a journey and more depth to his character than first impressions would suggest.
Why do you think people love Wicked so much?
It’s got many wonderful elements that when brought together work so well that it creates something very special. The score is wonderful and the design so clever and visually thrilling. Throw in the exquisite costumes and a talented crew, cast and musicians and it’s... Wicked!
Most people are familiar with the story of The Wizard of Oz so to be presented with Wicked as an alternative insight into the lives of the characters we already think we know is intriguing and exciting.
As well as this, I think the key is it’s been so brilliantly adapted from the novel. The original story has a multi layered plot and goes into great depth following many different characters. Musical viewers obviously needed a condensed version of the story. Stephen Schwartz once said “It wasn’t simply a matter of cutting. It was a matter of taking the basic idea and re-examining it - of letting go of some pieces and yet staying true to the essence”. I don’t think they could have done it better.
You also have many TV credits, including ‘Lapland’, ‘Casualty’ and ‘Hollyoaks’. How does acting on screen compare to acting on stage and which do you prefer?
TV and theatre are quite different experiences and I really do love both. It’s amazing the amount of work that goes into putting on a musical like Wicked. There’s so many dedicated people working backstage and front of house as well as on stage to create the magic that the audience sees. That’s exciting. The feeling of performing in front of a packed out auditorium and getting the instant feedback or response from the audience is thrilling. It’s hard to describe.
TV however is exciting for different reasons. As an actor you find you can be so real and raw with your emotions. I’ve done scenes where I’ve completely forgotten about the camera and the crew. It suddenly all feels real. It gives you an adrenalin rush in a different way.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to become an actor?
If you truly want to succeed you will never give up. Never stop learning. See as much theatre as you can and work hard. Don’t be disheartened by rejection you can take something from every experience and use it to grow and improve.
It’s great to have ambition and drive but sometimes you need to take a moment to remind yourself how far you've come. Don’t get too caught up in chasing new dreams so much that you forget you are already living the dreams that you once had.
You’ve done a few UK tours including ‘Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ and ‘Kes’. Do you enjoy being on the road or do you prefer being more settled in the West End?
Touring is so great. It’s cool to visit different cities and go exploring and I love to experience the diversity in audiences. My favourite thing about touring is getting to perform in all the different theatres. Some of them are breathtaking. I have lots of favourites because they vary so much in style and design. However, I think Sheffield Lyceum has to be one of the most beautiful.
On the flip side it’s great being based in one place for a while with Wicked. Touring can be very tiring especially when your only day off is a travel day.
Are there any other shows you would like to be part of in the future?
I’d love have as much variety as possible in my career. I think I’ve been very lucky in that respect so far. It’d be great to do another play and more TV. I’d obviously jump at the chance to do some more musicals though. It’s especially great to see so much new work coming to London, to be involved in creating an original production would be amazing. I also enjoy the older more traditional musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
Finally what would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
It’s amazing to have the support of friends and family. It’s not always going to be easy. You learn to take the highs with the lows, having people to help you through can be important.
I’d like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all my friends, my tutors and my agent. There might be times when you doubt yourself and need people that believe in you.
Then of course my family, in particular my parents Shirley and Harley. Without their help I really don’t know where I’d be.
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For more information about Oliver visit his website - www.oliverwatton.co.uk.
You can also keep up to date with Oliver on Twitter - www.twitter.com/oliverwatton
Visit www.wickedthemusical.co.uk to find out more about Wicked and to book tickets.
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