BWW Interviews: Oliver Thornton as King Arthur in CAMELOT at Two River Theater

Two River Theater (TRT) in Red Bank will present Lerner and Loewe's Camelot from November 15th through December 14th. Directed by David Lee, the show is a modern take on one of the greatest musicals in the American musical theater canon. This legendary tale of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot is sure to be an audience delight. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Oliver Thornton who plays King Arthur in the production.

Thornton has credits in London's West end that include the productions, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Rent; Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables; and Chicago.

We asked Thornton about his early interest in theatre. "I started performing in local amateur theatre from an early age but I only came to the idea of becoming an actor (as a profession) aged 18 when a friend of mine mentioned auditioning for the musical theatre course at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts. Once I was accepted and started working on my craft seriously, I realized it would take a huge amount of hard work to sustain a career on the stage. Prior to my training at Mountview I was clueless as to the sacrifices you have to make and dedication it takes to succeed. That said, I am very glad I had a very normal childhood and parents who didn't push a career down my throat from a young age. Too much too soon can be dangerous in this profession."

Thornton told us about his inspirations in his profession. "The people who inspire me the most are the amazing creatives I've gotten to work with over the years. Amazing directors like Chris Luscombe, Simon Phillips and Trevor Nunn and actors like Philip Franks, Louise Dearman and all of my friends in the West End. There is nothing better than stepping on a stage with the people you love and being bowled over by their work. You feel both awe and pride." And he also credits an important mentor that gave him a start in his career. "Arlene Philips gave me my first job in Starlight Express and to her I am eternally grateful."

Thornton is thrilled to be performing the part of Arthur in Camelot. "I am so excited to be playing King Arthur. I think it is one of the best roles written for a man in musical theatre. He is such a great mixture of humility and underlying, destructive pride. He desperately wants to be a great and fair king but his eye is pulled from the target by his wife's infidelity. I think the biggest challenge for me will be going through a huge creative process out of my comfort zone in the West End. This is my US debut and so I don't have the support network around me during this vulnerable time. In the rehearsal room you have to be willing to be entirely open and ready to give all of yourself but that is easier when you have the comfort of familiarity around you, here, everything is new."

Working this season at Two River Theater with the cast and creative team has been a wonderful experience for Thornton. He commented, "I am so excited about working at TRT. It has long been an ambition of mine to work in regional theatre as they attract such amazing creative talent. We have David Lee directing and I couldn't be more excited to be under his creative vision."

We asked Oliver Thornton if there was anything else he wanted Broadwayworld.com readers to know. "I have the most dedicated and loyal fans in the UK and I always want to take the opportunity to thank anyone who has followed my career in any way. It means a huge amount to me that people take the time to write, tweet or support me. In a world of anonymous social media madness, it's very humbling when people use it for good." For more information on Oliver Thornton you can visit his web site at www.oliverthornton.com.

Camelot will be on the Two River Theater's stage from November 15th to December 14th. For ticketing and more information, visit the Two River Theater web site at www.tworivertheater.org or by calling (732) 345-1400.