Five Questions With: Julian Ovenden

Well known for his stage and screen roles (Foyle’s War, Downton Abbey, Bridgerton) and celebrated for his stage performances in such shows as South Pacific, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park With George and Grand Hotel, Olivier Award-nominated actor and singer JULIAN OVENDEN is setting off on a Cathedral Tour in January 2026.

From his early days singing in the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir to earning a music scholarship to Eton College, Julian’s extraordinary journey is steeped in musical tradition. The son of Reverend Canon John Ovenden, former chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, he was born into tradition but has carved a space uniquely his own.

Here Julian continues Musical Theatre Review’s interview series: Five Questions With…

Your forthcoming concerts in cathedrals (Ely, Llandaff, Chester, etc.) are billed as a “cathedral experience”. Can you tell me a little more about what that entails?

I’ll be picking a selection of well-known songs that will complement the beauty of the buildings. I love performing songs in spaces they weren’t written for. It’s all about creating an intimate atmosphere and a connection with the audience through the artistry of the words and music.

What impact do you think these sacred, architectural spaces will have on both your experience as a performer and that of the audience – given your upbringing and early experiences in the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir? Is there an extra significance?

I think one cannot help but be inspired by sitting and hearing music in a beautiful building. After all, they were often built with acoustics in mind. The music was a way of feeling closer to the spirit. Having spent a large portion of my musical upbringing singing in churches and cathedrals, it’ll be rather special to be returning with a different type of music. I’m well aware how the splendour of the architecture can add another dimension to the art so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.  

Is it nice to take a step away from playing characters in theatre, TV and film, be yourself and choose a whole variety of material for these shows, and to travel across the UK?

Even though I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world with what I do, I haven’t done a huge amount of touring. I’m looking forward to being able to sign the same programme more than once! Also, I’m very excited about performing around the country which I don’t do enough of really.

You’ve played a wide variety of leading parts in musicals: in South Pacific, Show Boat, Sunday in the Park With George, Finding Neverland, Annie Get Your Gun, Grand Hotel, Merrily We Roll Along and more. What draws you into a particular project: the character, the music, the historical context, or something else?

There are many reasons to do a show. The music, the character, the creative team, the kudos, commercial reasons etc. If you’re very lucky, every now and then a job comes around that can tick all those boxes. For me the bottom line though is I ardently want to be part of something that moves people. 

Looking ahead, are there particular musicals or roles you’ve not yet done that you hope to tackle? What’s still on your bucket list, and why?

I always feel even though I’ve been a professional musician and performer for over 40 years now that I’ve just begun. I’m still eager for new experiences, collaborating with brilliant passionate people, exploring new parts of myself. Next up I’d love to do something new, I think.