Tom Xander Reflects on Olivier Nomination: "I’ve Never Been So Terrified"

Tom Xander lights up London's West End in Mean Girls The Musical

“Wow, that was something else,” a woman behind me blurted out as we sat in London West End's Savoy Theatre. Tom Xander, brilliantly playing Damian, had just nailed “A Cautionery Tale” alongside Elena Skye, who shines as Janis, Damian's unfailing friend. The air was electric, and you could feel how much everyone loved Xander's performance.

A big moment: Olivier Award nomination

This show really means a lot. Tom Xander's up there, nominated among some pretty big names like Layton Williams, Raphael Pape, and Andy Nyman. He's in line an Olivier Award nomination, and it's a crazy mix thrilling and terrifying. "I've never been so scared in my life," he says, chuckling a bit. It's great being nominated, but it also means everyone watching has sky-high expectations.

Stealing scenes with standout moments

Xander's known charm and ability steal every scene he steps in. He's got Damian down with all those movie lines like “She doesn't even go here!” and “You go, Glen Coco!” He spits them out with a contagious energy that fans—and newcomers—can't get enough. Even with nerves dancing around, Xander's won over more than 300,000 audience members since last June.

Chasing Damian's dream

The character Damian holds a special place in Xander's heart. Back in 2004, when he watched Tina Fey's Mean Girls, he felt a connection with Damian. Daniel Franzese originally embodied this lovable icon in LGBTQ+ cinema. Xander was blown away by Grey Henson's version on Broadway in 2018. He saw it not once, but four times, and it lit a fire in him: "I want a shot at this."

Sure, finding roles that fit him wasn't easy, but Damian was different. At that time, he was playing Elder Cunningham in The Book Of Mormon, his dream role back then. But then, it was all about Damian: "This has gotta be my new goal."

He tapped his network and learned tap dancing just nail this role. When auditions finally started back up in 2023, he put it all on—3ven begging a bit if he had. There were setbacks, including a pandemic, but Tom stayed locked in and ready.

From Wolverhampton, Tom's rise West End fame

Hailing from Wolverhampton, Xander cut his teeth in local theater. He honed skills at Mountview Academy in London, a breeding ground successful actors. In that tough, competitive atmosphere, he pushed doors open that others only dreamt about.

As a kid, he looked up his actor uncle and admired others from West Midlands making it big. Being a plus-size actor comes with hurdles, but he saw them as chances prove himself time again.

Now, as Mean Girls The Musical wraps up its West End journey on June, Xander's gearing up what's ahead. He had a blast working with Laverne Cox and Kate Beckinsale in 2021 action film Jolt. He's excited branch out, try new genres, and grow his acting chops.

Onward: A bright future awaits

An Olivier nomination's a huge deal, and Xander's aim just keeps climbing. He's looking up folks like Eddie Redmayne and Benedict Cumberbatch, who went Olivier nominees major Hollywood players. He's going full speed ahead his dreams with his unique mix talent, charisma, and grit.

"Everyone's got goals and dreams," Xander muses. That Olivier nod's paved a new path him dream even bigger. As he continues wowing audiences, Tom Xander's future's looking brighter than ever, full promise.

Catch Mean Girls The Musical at Savoy Theatre until June 8. The Olivier Awards are set Sunday, April 6, and highlights will hit ITV1 and ITVX at 10:15 pm BST.