A Conversation With A West End Personality - Oliver Tompsett
I am fortunate to have so many acquaintences and friends both in training and within the professional theatre industry, Oliver Tompsettt is just one of them performing in several shows on London's West End such as 'Guys and Dolls', 'Wicked', 'Rock of Ages' and 'We Will Rock You'. When I approached Oliver with my questions he was more than happy to answer.
'We Will Rock You' or 'Wicked'?
To be part of I would have to say 'Wicked'. However personal enjoyment 'We Will Rock You' much bigger role and bigger challenge for me.
Theatre or Cinema?
Theatre.
Singing or Dance?
Singing.
List your theatre credits and roles played.
'Our House'
'Mamma Mia'- Swing/Ensemble
'West Side Story'- Tony
'Kismet'- Caliph
National Theatre Royal Hunt of the Sun
'Wicked'- Ensemble & Fiyero
Rock of Ages- Drew
'We Will Rock You'- Galileo
'Guys and Dolls'- Sky Masterson
What was the first musical you performed in? And how old were you?
Amateur production: The Boyfriend aged 13.
What is your favourite musical?
That I've seen it would either be 'The Book of Mormon'/'Once' or 'Matilda'.
Do you have any pre show rituals?
I don't just get on with it, have a shower brush my teeth get ready, stay relaxed and get on with it.
What do you do when you are off from a show?
Enjoying typical family life.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Reality TV shows. I love people watching.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Apart from getting married and having children. Professionally it was probably landing the role of Drew in 'Rock of Ages' or my first couple of film credits I landed last year, I'm attempting to cross over from theatre to TV & Film and it's tough, its rather tough.
Dream part of the opposite sex?
Dr Who? Haha! In musical theatre probably Anita in 'West Side Story' or Elphaba.
Where did you train?
Arts Educational School, Chiswick.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My mum & dad & now my kids but creatively probably Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury & Sarah Lancashire, what an actress!
What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?
There is so much to say but the most important thing is you can't get better without doing it, take everything performance opportunity from a job to karaoke paid and unpaid so to practice your craft. When you are preparing for an audition put all your eggs in that one basket and prep on your technique, appearance, health, and ask all the smart questions as an actor and storyteller about what you are putting in front of your audience/panel.
You must tell the story of your character and show the panel you are capable of portraying a truthful being that will evoke emotion in your audience .
If you could have your own musical who would you want to headline it?
If I could cast two men and two women it would be:
Hannah Waddingham,
Louise Dearman
Tim Howar & Me
Describe yourself in three words.
Tall, Caring, Ambitious.
If you could pick your ultimate role to play what would it be?
That exists- Galileo for the songs & Sky Masterson for the book and I've done both of them so Bobby in Company would be a dream.
What was the last musical saw?
I can't remember it might have been Wicked's 10th Anniversary.
Do you have any further projects to look out for?
A movie called 'Show Dogs' and anything else if I did I wouldn't be allowed to say unfortunatly.
Social links
Twitter: @ozziology
Huge thank you to Oliver Tompsett for taking time out of his schedule to chat with me. I look forward to discovering Oliver's upcoming projections and productions.