Anthony Warlow
“25 years ago composer Lucy Simon visited my dressing room after the Australian Premiere of The Secret Garden. As I welcomed her and her forthcoming critique of my performance, the first words she uttered were “Anthony you are my Yuri Zhivago”. That evening put Yuri’s voice into her head, however it would not be for another 15 years before our second collaboration would bring the iconic poet Dr Zhivago to life. I discovered over that year of living in Lucy’s ‘Garden’ the absolute joy of her musical creation and the character of Archibald Craven. The Secret Garden has now become a Classic Broadway musical, evocative and romantic, Archie an actor’s dream of a role and a beloved story that explores the joy, truth and tenacity of its heroine.” — Anthony Warlow
Anthony has been thrilling audiences with his versatility from the moment he arrived on the theatrical scene. From his debut with the Australian Opera in Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream (1980) he has left an indelible stamp on the industry both at home and abroad.
His lengthy stage credits include the National Theatre of Great Britain production of Guys and Dolls, making his music theatre debut with the role of Sky Masterson (1986); creating the role of Enjolras in the Australian production of Les Misérables (1988), and the title role of the Phantom in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera (1990 and 2007-2008). In 1995 Anthony enjoyed a joyous season in Lucy Simon's The Secret Garden as Archie Craven, and collaborated with her again in 2010 creating the role of Dr Yuri Zhivago in the Australian premiere production of Doctor Zhivago. He has also performed in Australian tours of Annie (2000 and 2012), seasons with Opera Australia and a critically acclaimed performance as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof (2016).
Anthony made his Broadway debut in 2013 portraying the iconic role of Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks in the 35th Anniversary production of Annie, directed by James Lapine. His performance won him several Broadway nominations (Drama Desk, Drama League, People’s Choice) and in 2015 he was invited to return to the US to perform the dual roles of Miguel De Cervantes and Don Quixote for The Shakespeare Theatre Company of Washington production of Man of La Mancha. This portrayal won him the prestigious 2015 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. That same year he replaced Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, playing the roles of Charles Frohman and Captain Hook.
Anthony made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2013 and is no stranger to the concert platform, performing around Australia with our Symphony Orchestras. His studio recordings have spanned more than 20 years and include solo albums, cast recordings and live performances in concert and with Opera Australia. His love of ‘flawed anti-heroes’ continued in 2018 with his portrayal of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His performance was hailed by critics and was a welcome addition to his theatrical canon.
He was honoured by the nation receiving the title of Living National Treasure and his outstanding achievements have been acknowledged with his investiture as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to the performing arts.
Anthony is thrilled to return to The Secret Garden, his warm and trusted collaboration with Lucy Simon, and to reveal to a new generation of theatre goers the magic of this now classic Broadway musical.