Richard Dormer

Auditioned for and was accepted by three different acting academies, but chose the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts because they offered him a scholarship. Left RADA early when he was cast as the lead in Billy Budd with the Sheffield Crucible Company. Gained critical attention for his performance as Northern Irish snooker player Alex Higgins in Hurricane, winning The Stage Best Actor award in 2003; he also wrote the play, winning the BBC Stewart Parker Award for New Writing. In 2004, won the Irish Times Best Actor Award for his role in Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, written by Frank McGuinness. Is known for his work in film, stage and television. Wrote the plays The Half and Gentleman's Tea Drinking Society which were produced by the Ransom Theatre Company in Belfast. His play, Drum Belly, premiered in Dublin's Abbey Theatre in 2013. Has provided voices for more than 20 BBC Radio 4 plays, documentaries and adverts for programmes.