Biography
Thomas holds a BMus(Hons) from Royal Holloway, University of London,and an MMus from the University of Surrey
At Royal Holloway, Thomas was awarded an organ scholarship, enabling him to study the instrument under eminent professionals, which included Rupert Gough, Professors David Sanger and Lionel Pike, Paul Provost, and David Briggs. As an organ scholar, Thomas
regularly conducted and accompanied the renowned chapel choir, both at home in the historic college chapel, as well as in concert venues and cathedrals both regionally and internationally – in Europe and the United States of America.Thomas has given performances on the organs in some of the most iconic cathedrals in the world – including; St Pauls Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, London. Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. St David’s Cathedral, Wales. Guildford Cathedral ,Gloucester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral, York Minster, Coventry Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral, Arundel Cathedral.
Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, Mechelen, Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp,and The Basilica of Our Lady, Tongeren, Belgium.
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Devine, New York, and Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, USA. While touring the East Coast of the USA, Thomas gave a performanc e on the largest playable organ in the
world; the Wanamaker organ, housed in the former Macy’s department store (the Wanamaker building) in Philadelphia.
At the University of Surrey, Thomas’s focus of study was conducting studying the art form with Russel Keable and Martyn Barbbins.
After seeing a musical in London’s West End, Thomas’s musical interests shifted from the world of organ and choir, to the world of theatre and the
performing arts.
Thomas then embarked on a career as a Musical Director, Conductor, Keyboard Player and Pianist.
Thomas has had the privilege of playing on, and conducting some of the most successful musical theatre productions in the world.
At the youthful age of 24, he conducted the premiere UK andIreland touring production of Wicked – at the time, being one of theyoungest people in the world to have conducted the show. He swiftly moved onto the premiere national touring production of Mamma Mia-conducting performances, and leading the cast and band in playing
and singing those all too well-known, infamous ABBA songs.
These productions received vast publicity for having been the first-time cities around the country hosted shows with such esteem, making them instant sell-outs – and Thomas felt very privileged and honoured to have performed to such a vast number of audiences up and down the country. Thomas then went onto work with renowned theatre producer, Bill Kenwright, conducting his productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – working with X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, and The Sound of Music – working with Olivier award winning choreographer Bill Deamer, The Voice finalist, Lucy O’Byrne, Coronation Street’s villainous Tony Gordon – Gray O’Brien, and international sopranos Jan Hartley and Rebecca Caine.
Other theatre credits as Musical Director, Assistant Musical Director andconductor include: The second national touring production of Jersey Boys, Anything Goes – The New Wimbledon Theatre, Mack and Mabel – Hackney Empire (London Musical Theatre Orchestra), Kiss Me, Kate – Sheffield Crucible, I Need a Doctor -The PleasanceTheatre, Honkand The Pirates of Penzance- The Tabard Theatre, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Honk – Guildford School of Acting, and The Threepenny Opera – Fourth Monkey Theatre Company.
As a musical director, Thomas had a keen interest in understanding the meaning behind the music, and what the music aimed to express and convey. When musically directing a production of Honk, Thomas was delighted to collaborate with the show’s writers, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, giving him direct access to the thought processes and
rational behind the show.
As a keyboard player, Thomas had a reputation for his proficiencies in ensemble playing, particularly his string phrasing, as well as his technical abilities and execution. Thomas has played in the bands and orchestras for a vast array of productions, both in the West End, regionally, and internationally
He has played keyboards in the orchestras and bands for the West End productions of Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre), Bat Out of Hell and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesties Theatre). Thomas was fortunate enough to play on both “The Brilliant Original” production
of The Phantom of the Opera, opening at Her Majesties Theatre in 1986, boasting a 27 piece orchestra – the largest in the West End, and the new revival production of the show, which opened post the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other credits as a pianist and keyboard player include: Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary touring production of Miss Saigon, Dusty – Charing Cross Theatre, Home Alone, Live – Musikkens Has, Denmark, Liza, Liza, Liza and Marguerite – The Tabard Theatre, Follies and A Little Night Music – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Carousel – Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Secret Garden – The King’s Head Theatre, Once Upon a Mattress – The Union Theatre, Company and The Pirates of Penzance – The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Annie – South Hill Park, Brava – GLive, Guildford, After the Turn – Interval
Productions, Passion – The Mill Studio, Guildford, The Pajama Game – Minerva Theatre, Chichester, and There was an Old Woman – Waterloo East Theatre.
Thomas also gave a performance, live on TV for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar – sharing the stage with Nathan James.
During his time in theatre – Thomas had the pleasure of working with and accompanying some of theatres most prominent artists – some of which include: Caroline Sheen, Clive Rowe, Edward Baker-Duly, Fra Fee, James McAvoy, Joel Montague, Laura Tebbutt, Layton Williams, Maria Friedman, Matt Lucas, Rebecca Lock, Tim Howar, and Willemijn Verkaik. Alongside his performance career, Thomas has been, and continues to be a passionate educator in music. He has taught at Guildford school of acting, The Urdang Academy, National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and various Stagecoach Performing Arts schools, as well as having taught piano, organ and music theory privately. He has taught students from aged five to their mid-fifties, and has experience successfully guiding students through classical ABRSM exams; teaching jazz theory and practice; and teaching beginners through to more advanced players.