OLIVER TOMPSETT, Abingdon (Oxford) 1981

His professional debut was in the musical OUR HOUSE, at London´s Cambridge Theatre.

Other Theatre credits include MAMMA MIA! (London´s Prince of Wales Theatre) and KISMET (London´s Arcola Theatre).

Currently he plays the role of Fiyero on the London production of WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre.

- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: The first show I remember seeing was CATS when I was around 5 years old and what a show that was. However the show that most impressed me was SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at the London Palladium when I was 16. Adam Garcia was playing Tony Manero, little did I know that one day I would be understudying him and then to take over from him in the role of Fiyero. When I saw SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER I was blown away by the athleticism shown by the performers- combining acting with tough singing and dancing made the show a spectacle.

- You would like to make a duet with: Either Tina Turner or Stevie Wonder

- Webber o Sondheim? Sondheim

- London or New York? London

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? No, sometimes I find the odd one hanging around but I hate clutter, although I have a lot of it and when it comes to belongings I am the least sentimental person ever. Though my album is called `Sentimental Heart´- listen to the song and you will understand.

- The worst moment you´ve had live on the stage was (as a performer and/or as a spectator): As a spectator I have seen some car crash theatre not so much a particular actors fault, but usually down to bad writing but every so often you actually get to be in something as brilliantly composed as WICKED, its a joy.
I am generally pretty good at being in the moment on stage but if something particularly funny happens and I lose it , then I really lose it. It´s so embarrassing to be on stage giggling when your meant to be arguing with the person opposite you who is also giggling but at the same time a little bit fun.

- An unforgettable moment (as a performer and/or as a spectator): The opening night of WICKED in London I shouted "look it´s Glinda" to which Glinda is meant to appear in a beautiful bubble to which the audience applaud, but instead I shouted "look it´s Glinda" and the bubble never appeared and we had to stop for twenty minutes and start again and when "look it´s Glinda" was said and the bubble did appear this time the crowds scream was incredible-unforgettable.

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? No such thing

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Tony Manero

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: Easy question has to be Elphaba!

- What do you like best/least about your work? I least like having to work when everyone else gets to relax and I like best relaxing whilst everyone else has to work.

- What is your favourite musical movie? HALF A SIXPENCE, check it out its old school

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: `Enchanted´.

- What is your favourite line from a musical: "Sweet Jesus John who is she?" from MISS SAIGON

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars (as ´How do you solve a problem like Maria´ or ´I´d Do Anything´): I think they raise the profile of my line of work increasing my chances of work but I also think they mislead the public into thinking the best actors come from those types of programmes. so I agree to disagree.

- You feel proud of: Doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

- At this moment you´re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: Enjoying each day as it comes and taking on new challenges as much as I can.

- Other projects you are working on: I have written and produced my debut album `Sentimental Heart´alongside my brother under our own record label "avenue west records". It is a mixture of soul/rock/pop all sung by me with heavy influences from funky jazz horn sections. We are currently spreading the word by doing gigs of the album and are lucky enough to have secured a slot at the well respected Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush, London on the 10th of August.I will perform all the album plus a few guest singers performing other songs written by myself and my brother. Keep a close eye for more information www.myspace.com/olivertompsett.