Mark Thompson

About Mark

Mark has been playing the Electronic organ from the age of seven. After gaining interest he joined the Technics Academy at the age of nine, where he worked his way through grades and entered local competitions, reaching area finals in 1999. Mark was later taught by Chiho Sunamato at the Yamaha School of Music. He began playing concerts at the age of fifteen, and now travels up and down the UK, and abroad, playing the Yamaha EL90 for organ societies, festivals and private functions. In 2002 Mark played in, and won, the ‘Young Theatre Organist of the Year’ competition and has performed on many of the country's top theatre organs since.

In addition to his work on the organ circuit Mark plays in 60s and 70s band, ‘Wallstreet’, on the keyboards/providing backing vocals, works as musical director or rehearsal pianist for many North East musical theatre societies and in the orchestra for their shows, and works as vocal coach, accompanist or MD for many North East stage schools, and for musical theatre colleges in both Blackpool and Leeds. Mark also plays cocktail piano at hotels and restaurants across the North East, and for many weddings throughout the year. He often plays with jazz band 'The Fab Dakers Boys' at Newcastle United's football ground, 'St. James' Park', on match days, and also regularly features in the band for 'The Ratpack Vegas Spectacular' show at theatres around the country.

In 2012 Mark was given the job of Musical Director for The Gala Theatre's pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty', in Durham, with a total of 60 performances to play for and conduct, a role which he has performed every year since. This year will be his 6th Panto season, with a run of 73 performances of 'Robinson Crusoe'. One of the highlights of Mark's musical career so far was back in 2010, when he was lucky enough to spend a month in Eilat, Israel, playing and singing with the band 'Skidoo 23'.

A distant memory now, but back in 2007 Mark completed a Mathematics degree at Durham University, which one day he may even use!

Mark's Photo Gallery

Mark's Concert Diary