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Paul Nicholas

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BIO

Nicholas began his pop career as early as 1960. Adopting the stage name Paul Dean, he formed Paul Dean & The Dreamers who were booked to support The Savages, the backing band for the British rocker Screaming Lord Sutch.



It was here that Sutch first noticed the young Nicholas, who was soon to become vocalist and pianist with The Savages. Still using the name Paul Dean, he released two solo singles in 1965–66. After taking a new stage name, Oscar, he began a long association with the Australian-born entrepreneur, Robert Stigwood. In 1966, Nicholas signed with Stigwood's Reaction Records label and his first single under his new name, "Club of Lights", scraped into the lower reaches of the Radio London Fab Forty chart.

The second Oscar single was a version of a Pete Townshend song "Join My Gang", which The Who never recorded. His third single, a novelty song called "Over the Wall We Go" (1967) is notable for being written and produced by a young David Bowie (Nicholas at this time was managing the band The Sweet and recommended them to record producer Phil Wainman whom he worked with at Mellin Music Publishing). After settling on the stage name Paul Nicholas, he found success in the UK in musicals, beginning with the leading role of Claude in Hair (which Stigwood produced) before winning the title role in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The part of Danny to Elaine Paige's Sandy made them the first British couple to play the leads in Grease.

Paul Nicholas as Jesus Christ, 1972.
Nicholas in Jesus Christ Superstar, 1972
He joined The Young Vic under Frank Dunlop and played Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing and appeared in Crete and Sgt. Pepper by John Antrobus. He appeared as the Bully of the Boulevard in Richard O’Brien’s T-Zee at London's Royal Court Theatre. He performed in Prospect Theatre Company's Carl Davies musical Pilgrim. While touring with O'Brien in Hair in 1970 he first heard songs from the yet to be produced Rocky Horror Show.

Nicholas' film career began in 1970 in Cannabis. He followed this with See No Evil (1971) and What Became of Jack and Jill? (1972). He then appeared in Stardust (1974), and Three for All (1975). In 1975, he played "Cousin Kevin", Tommy's vicious cousin, in Tommy, and portrayed Richard Wagner in Lisztomania (1975).

In 1976, he embarked on a short-lived but high-profile pop career, with three Top 20 hits in the UK Singles Chart "Reggae Like It Used To Be", "Dancing with the Captain", and "Grandma's Party", the last two of which reached the Top 10. He released the single "Heaven On The 7th Floor" in 1977. This only just reached the UK Top 40, but reached number No. 1 in New Zealand. In the US, the song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 in Cashbox listings, giving Nicholas a gold record. He followed this with "On The Strip" which entered the Billboard Hot 100 No. 67 but failed to enter the UK chart. In the mid-1970s he hosted his own children's television pop show, Paul.

In 1978, he appeared in Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as Dougie Shears. Further films followed including The World Is Full of Married Men (1979), Yesterday's Hero (1979), the loutish punk singer in The Jazz Singer (1980), the romantic lead in Invitation to the Wedding (1983), and Nutcracker (1983).

Having done a workshop with Andrew Lloyd Webber, he returned to West End theatre in 1981 to create the role of Rum Tum Tugger in Lloyd Webber's musical Cats. He then originated the title role in Blondel by Sir Tim Rice and Stephen Oliver. That same year, he starred in Two Up, Two Down, a short-lived sitcom co-starring Su Pollard. In 1983, he got his first high-profile television role as Vince Pinner in Just Good Friends. The show, for which Nicholas also sang the theme tune, was a success. He was also nominated for a BAFTA.

Nicholas later returned to the stage, playing numerous roles on screen in both movie and television projects. In 1986 Nicholas continued to star in musicals including ‘Jekyll and Hyde’’, Fiddler On The Roof’' and 42nd Street’' which was directed by the shows author Mark Bramble. He starred as The Pirate King in Joseph Papp's version of The Pirates of Penzance at the London Palladium and the Manchester Opera House, touring again in the same role in the late 1990s. He starred in Barnum in the first national tour and followed this with a highly successful season at The Dominion Theatre in the West End. At the end of 1991, while touring with Barnum, Nicholas was the subject of This Is Your Life. For his services to show business and charity, Nicholas was awarded a Silver Heart from the Variety Club of Great Britain and a Gold Badge Award from BASCA. Nicholas then starred in the national tour of Singin' in the Rain, which was directed by Tommy Steele.

In June 1996, Nicholas played the role of King Arthur in the Covent Garden Festival's production of Camelot. He repeated his role of King Arthur in a BBC Radio 2 production of Camelot. Other radio work included Bert in BBC Radio 4's Gracie. He hosted two series of BBC Radio 2's Mad About Musical', as well as his own hour-long TV special, Paul and Friends, for Thames Television. Nicholas fronted the Radio 4 children's series Cat's Whiskers during the 1980s.

In 1997, he starred as the anti-hero of Karoline Leach's The Mysterious Mr. Love at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End. He continued to appear as the lead in numerous straight roles thereafter: Simon Gray's Stagestruck, a national tour of Michael Cooney's The Dark Side, Catch Me if You Can, and two plays by Eric Chappell: Mixed Feelings, in which he played a transsexual, and Snakes and Ladders. He starred as John Smith in the original production of Caught in the Net. In 1998, he co-produced, with Bill Kenwright, a new musical based on Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities, starring as Sidney Carton. The musical played Windsor with a Christmas season in Birmingham.

In 2000, Nicholas appeared in the BBC television comedy drama Sunburn, playing David Janus, owner of the self-titled holiday company around which the series was centered. He Ronnie Buchan in the new police drama series Burnside. Further television work included parts in The Bill and Holby City.

He then played the title role in the national tour of Doctor Dolittle and followed this with the role of Tevye in UK Productions' national tour of Fiddler on the Roof. In the summer of 2006, he was a celebrity showjumper in the BBC's Sport Relief event Only Fools on Horses, as well as appearing in Doctors, Heartbeat and Holby City. That autumn, Nicholas was attached to star in the British film Cash and Curry, and that year he co-produced and starred in Jekyll & Hyde in a UK national tour.

In 2008, Nicholas played Alan Boon in BBC Four's Consuming Passions – a hundred years of Mills and Boon. He also directed and produced A Tale of Two Cities at Upstairs at the Gatehouse. In 2009, Nicholas played Jack Point in The Yeomen of the Guard for the Carl Rosa Opera Company at the Tower of London Festival. In November 2010, Nicholas opened in The Haunting. He also directed the musical version of Tale of Two Cities at Charing Cross Theatre in April–May 2012.

In 2014, Nicholas produced and starred in Blockbuster, a musical. In 2015, he appeared as Judge Wargrave in And Then There Were None. In the summer of 2015 he directed a new production of Tommy at Blackpool's Opera House. In June 2015 while touring in And Then There Were None, Nicholas was cast as Gavin Sullivan on EastEnders. He then starred as Scrooge in the Alan Menken musical, A Christmas Carol. In 2016, he was cast as Neville Chamberlain in the film Masaryk. He appeared as himself in The Real Marigold Hotel shown on BBC One in March 2017.In 2018 Nicholas toured the UK. In 2018 toured Ronald Harwood’s’’Quartet’In 2019 Nicholas played Father Merrin in the ‘Exorcist’.In 2021 Nicholas published ‘Musicals Marigolds & Me’and his 3 CD Boxset ‘Paul Nicholas Gold’.In 2022 he played Pickering in ‘Pygmalion’ at the Theatre Royal Windsor.

In 2023 Nicholas resumed a UK tour of ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ prior to a West End run. He also released an audio book of his biography ‘Musicals Marigolds & Me’

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
2025
The Major () [Replacement]

[West End]
2024
Major Gowen ()

[West End]
Charing Cross Theatre Production, 2013
Sewerman


[West End]
London Revival, 1986
Joe Studholme


[West End]
Original London Production, 1983
Blondel


[West End]
Original London Production, 1981
Rum Tum Tugger


[West End]
London Production, 1972
Jesus


[West End]
London Production, 1968
Performer


[UK Tour]
Touring Revival, 2004
Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde


Productions

 
[Broadway, 2007]
Producer
 
[West End, 2007]
Producer
 
[West End, 1998]
Producer
 
[West End, 1995] [Replacement]
Producer[Replacement]
 
[West End, 1993]
Producer

Writing

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Revival of a Musical

Paul Nicholas, Grease

News


Video: GODDESS Stars Amber Iman and Austin Scott Perform, 'Near You'; Final Extension Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 3, 2025

The Public Theater has announced a final extension for Goddess, the acclaimed new musical currently playing downtown. Originally slated to close earlier this month, the production will now run through Sunday, June 15. Watch the video.
Video: Watch Highlights from GODDESS at the Public Theater
by Nicole Rosky - May 23, 2025

The Public Theater is now presenting GODDESS, making its New York debut after a successful world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production will run through Sunday, June 8 in the Newman Theater. Watch highlights in this video!
Photos: GODDESS Opens at the Public Theater
by Jennifer Broski - May 21, 2025

The Public Theater is now presenting GODDESS, making its New York debut after a world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production officially opened last night, May 20. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Review Roundup: Amber Iman Stars In GODDESS At the Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025

Tony-nominee Amber Iman stars in the new musical GODDESS at The Public Theater, making its New York debut after a successful world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Read reviews for the production's NYC premiere!
Photos: First Look at GODDESS at the Public Theater
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2025

The Public Theater is now presenting GODDESS, making its New York debut after a successful world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production will run through Sunday, June 8 in the Newman Theater. Check out photos of the cast in action here!
GODDESS Extends Through Early June at The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025

The Public Theater has extended the upcoming musical GODDESS. After a successful world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, GODDESS will make its debut in New York. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For John Cleese's FAWLTY TOWERS â€" THE PLAY
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2025

Casting has been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of John Cleese's FAWLTY TOWERS – THE PLAY. Following the hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End run earlier this year, will be coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
Video: In Rehearsal for GODDESS at The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2025

The Public Theater has released a look inside rehearsal for the upcoming musical GODDESS. After a world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, GODDESS will make its debut in New York. Watch the video!
ROMEO + JULIET Full Company Announced At Shakespeare's Globe
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2025

Shakespeare's Globe has announced the cast of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes (Much Ado About Nothing, 2024; The Comedy of Errors, 2023-24).
ROMEO AND JULIET Cast Revealed At Shakespeare's Globe
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 18, 2025

Shakespeare’s Globe has revealed the cast of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes. Romeo and Juliet launches the summer season, running from 25 April until 2 August in the Globe Theatre.  
Video: Amber Iman Performs 'Honey Sweet' In New GODDESS Music Video
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025

Watch Tony Award-nominee Amber Iman takes the mic with HONEY SWEET from the upcoming GODDESS EP: Moto Moto Presents Nights in Mombasa, celebrating the music that fuels the upcoming musical. Watch the performance video!
Video: Watch Amber Iman Sing 'Honey Sweet' From GODDESS Musical
by Michael Major - Mar 5, 2025

Watch a video of Tony nominee Amber Iman singing 'Honey Sweet' from the new musical Goddess, which is set to premiere at the Public Theatre this year.
Nick Rashad Burroughs, Amber Iman & More to Star in GODDESS at The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2024

The Public Theater has revealed the initial cast for the upcoming musical GODDESS. After a world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, GODDESS will make its debut in New York. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
FAWLTY TOWERS â€" THE PLAY Extends West End Run Once Again
by Stephi Wild - Oct 25, 2024

John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play has announced that it is extending its West End run for a second time. Currently playing at London’s Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, the critically acclaimed production will now run until Saturday 1 March 2025.
Show of the Week: Save up to 36% on FAWLTY TOWERS - THE PLAY at the Apollo Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2024

Tickets are available from £18 for Fawlty Towers - The Play at the Apollo Theatre! Save up to 36%.
Save Up To 36% on Tickets to FAWLTY TOWERS - The Play at the Apollo Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2024

Save up to 36% on tickets to Fawlty Towers - The Play at the Apollo Theatre. Tickets will be available from £18.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Comes to Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2024

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival will present Shakespeare’s fan favorite comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Directed by Matt Pfeiffer, the production runs June 26 to July 7 on the Main Stage at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.
Review: FAWLTY TOWERS THE PLAY, Apollo Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan - May 16, 2024

For a sitcom that only lasted for 12 episodes, Fawlty Towers left an indelible mark on British comedy. Discourteous hotel owner Basil Fawlty and his shrewish wife Sybil became legends, along with long-suffering chambermaid Polly and hapless waiter Manuel. Previously staged in Australia, this nostalgic and tightly choreographed play is adapted by the series’ original co-writer John Cleese.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Comes To Australia In November 2024
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2024

Experience the global phenomenon as JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR arrives in Australia. Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical experience with this iconic musical.
Fawlty Towers Stage Adaption Will Be More Politically Correct Than Original
by Joshua Wright - May 2, 2024

The much-anticipated stage adaptation of the beloved 1975 sitcom Fawlty Towers will premiere at London's Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, free of racial slurs, confirmed John Cleese, the show’s creator.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Paul Nicholas been in?

Paul Nicholas has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Paul Nicholas been in?

Paul Nicholas has appeared on London's West End in 8 shows.

What was Paul Nicholas's first West End show?

Paul Nicholas's first West End show was Hair which opened in 1968

What awards has Paul Nicholas been nominated for?

and Best Revival of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grease.

How many shows has Paul Nicholas written?

Paul Nicholas has written 1 shows including Saturday Night Fever (Bookwriter).

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