Biography
Writer and composer Richard Thomas made his Royal Opera debut in 2011 as the librettist for Anna Nicole.
Thomas has worked for many years as a musical director and composer in television, working with many top UK comedians including Richard Herring, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee and Frank Skinner. He is best known for writing and composing Jerry Springer: the Opera (National Theatre, West End, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House), winner of Best Score Award at the 2004 Olivier Awards, among other accolades. His other works include the cult hit show Tourette’s Diva, the series of musicals for BBC television ‘Kombat Opera Presents…’ (winner of the Rose d’Or Comedy Award and the Rose d’Or Best of 2008 Award), the musical Stand-Up with Stewart Lee (Hanover Schauspielhaus) and the dance show Shoes (Sadler’s Wells, West End). Further credits include lyrics for the musical adaptation of Made in Dagenham with David Arnold and Richard Bean (West End).
Thomas’s other projects include the musical Drink? for the National Theatre.
Videos
News and features
Anna Nicole Musical Highlight: The PARTAY! Scene
With its lavish hedonism, Anna Nicole makes the soirées in La traviata and La bohème look like a teddy bears' picnic.
Opera Essentials: Anna Nicole
Our guide to Mark-Anthony Turnage's sensational 2011 opera.
Laughing in the face of tragedy: Black comedy in opera
From Così fan tutte to Anna Nicole – operas have long come with a sharp edge.
