KEV ORKIAN

BIOGRAPHY

Kev was born in London and comes from an Armenian background.

He trained at Brunel University in drama and music and also trained for a two-year National Diploma in Performing Arts.

He made his West End debut in Fame playing the part of Joe Vegas and was in the original production of Happy Days, the Musical, as Ralph Malph and understudying The Fonz.

Other productions include Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; the national tour of The Enchanted Toyshop; Toad in the national tour of Wind in The Willows; Spaceman in the national tour of Enchanted Toyshop; The Mischief – a one man show at the Edinburgh Festival; and presenter / compere for the national tour of Haven Heroes and Circus World. 

Prior to appearing in musicals, Kev was a principal dancer with the Russian / Armenian dance troupe, as well as being guest MC for Five Decades of Love. Kev Orkian is also a consummate pianist having performed classical repertoire at the Victoria Palace, Wembley Conference Centre and Kensington Palace. Kev has also been involved in British tours of blues and rock concerts.

He has recently returned from an international tour performing his one-man piano comedy show to sell-out audiences and also hosting LA's own AMA awards at the infamous Kodak Theatre.

Kev has also appeared in numerous commercials playing various lead roles in Kleenex, Maxim Magazine, Low alcohol beer, which he couldn't finish because he got drunk after several takes.

His television and film credits include a Roman Soldier in A Soldiers Story, the lead character in two television commercials advertising Bravo Television, appearances in Blue Peter, Reeves and Mortimer, and Live TV.

Christmas time regularly sees Kev appearing in major pantomimes including seasons with good friends Sam Kane, Linda Lusardi, Julian Clary and John Inman. Last year saw Kev playing the only Male Aladdin with John Inman as his Mum.

The summer season of the new millennium showed a further extension to his performing abilities when he appeared again with John Inman and other friends like Billy Pearce, Jimmy Cricket and the lovely Nolan Sisters and an all-star cast in Comedy Bonanza at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. This saw him doing his own piano/comedy act; being the lead singer and dancer in production numbers, and also participating in comedy sketches with the cast.

Most of 2002 and 2003 saw Kev playing the part of Terry in Boogie Nights the Musical, which is toured the country to Rave Reviews.

Recently Kev appeared in the Dave Lee Show, in Canterbury and appeared along side Brian Connely, Jethro, Richard Digance and where he first met Jim Davidson which led to Kev appearing alongside him on his National Tour in 2004.

January 2004, Kev joined the cast of Boogie Nights for a "Boogie Nights the Concert", a compilation of songs from the 70's musical and the forthcoming Boogie Nights 80's Musical.

2004 saw Kev supporting some of the countries top comics when he toured with Joe Pasquale and Jim Davidson performing his Illegal Immigrant Pianist act.

Christmas 2004 saw Kev in Panto once again with Sam Kane and Linda Lusardi playing Muddles in Snow White at Woking.

BACK