Big Interview: Oliver Thornton – from one extreme to another

Oliver Thornton, one of the West End’s biggest stars, is currently playing the title role in Aladdin at the New Wimbledon Theatre alongside the likes of Jo Brand (who is making her pantomime debut), Matthew Kelly and David Bedella.

Oliver made his West End debut in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre, understudying Mary Sunshine. He has gone on to to play many leading roles in the West End including: Enjolras in Les Miserables (Palace/Queens), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's), Mark in Rent (Duke of York’s) and Adam/Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Palace). He also played Caboose/Rusty/Electra in Starlight Express in Bochum, before playing Rusty in the musical’s 2006 UK Tour. 

Most recently Oliver played Frank N. Furter to great acclaim in the UK Tour of The Rocky Horror Show. I recently spoke to Oliver about life in panto-land, how he dealt with going from playing Frank to Aladdin and what 2014 has in store…

How are you finding panto life so far? You must be feeling extremely Christmassy! 

[laughs] When you’re doing two shows every single day Christmas seems to just pass by in a haze! We’re having a really good time and the show has been very well received. We’ve sold fantastically well which is always great because panto is the kind of show which benefits from lively audiences!

Review: Jo Brand's pantomime debut in Aladdin at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Jo Brand & Matthew Kelly

Aladdin

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 9th December 2013

Often referred to as London's must-see pantomime and known for casting big names, the New Wimbledon Theatre's panto is bigger and better than ever this year. Comedienne Jo Brand makes her pantomime debut in this year's show, at times she looks a little lost but Jo is also in her element and is secretly having the time of her life.

Oliver Thornton, Rhydian, Roxanne Pallett and Superstar Winner Ben Forster cast in The Rocky Horror Show UK Tour

Oliver Thornton, Rhydian, Roxanne Pallett and Superstar Winner Ben Forster will star in the forthcoming 10th anniversary tour of Richard O'Brien's cult musical The Rocky Horror Show. The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of two squeaky clean college kids Brad and his fiancée Janet, who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit a college professor.