Mini Biography

Born: 1992, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England. 

Arthur Hughes attended Aylesbury Grammar School and later pursued his passion for acting at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, graduating in 20131. Despite facing challenges due to radial dysplasia affecting his right arm, Hughes persevered and developed his craft.

Arthur Hughes began his career in theatre and radio, but it was his breakthrough television role that gained wider attention. In 2018, he portrayed Ryan McDaniel in the Netflix series “The Innocents”. His portrayal of disability activist Alan Holdsworth in the BBC’s “Then Barbara Met Alan” (2022) received more critical acclaim.… Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 17 February 1934, Allestree, Derby, England.

Alan Bates wasn’t destined for the stage at first. Though his parents, both music lovers, nurtured his artistic side, young Alan initially focused on music. By the age of 11, however, a spark ignited a new passion – acting. He devoured local productions at Derby’s Little Theatre, and his decision was made.

His dedication paid off. Bates earned a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, graduating in 1954. After a mandatory stint in the Royal Air Force, he landed a pivotal role – joining the … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 20 November 1981, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England. 

Andrea Risborough was raised by working-class parents, her father a car dealer and mother a secretary and beautician, she described them as “Thatcherites”.

She took the stage at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle, playing Celia Fiennes in “Riding England Sidesaddle” by Christopher Goulding. She spent five years as part of the Young People’s Theatre. For her formal education, she attended Newcastle upon Tyne Church High School before heading to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Her dedication paid off as she graduated in 2005 … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 10 May 1977, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. 

Anna Maxwell Martin was born to Rosalind and Ivan Martin. Her father held a prominent position in a pharmaceutical company, while her mother worked as a research scientist. Upon the birth of Anna and her older brother, Adam, her mother gave up her career to care for them. She attended Beverley High School, where she took part in school productions. Following her school years, Martin pursued a history degree at Liverpool University.

After completing her studies at Liverpool University, Martin decided to study acting at the London Academy … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: May 10, 1968, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England.

Adrian Scarborough grew up with a passion for acting from a young age. He attended Oakham School, a co-educational independent school in Rutland, where he discovered his love for the performing arts. Scarborough’s early exposure to drama paved the way for his successful career in the entertainment industry.

After completing his education, Scarborough pursued his acting ambitions and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. His dedication and talent soon caught the attention of casting directors, leading to his professional debut on the stage. With a strong foundation in … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: May 9, 1936, Salford, Greater Manchester, England.

Albert Finney was a prominent English actor known for his versatile performances in film, television, and theatre. Born to Alice and Albert Finney Sr., he grew up in a working-class family. His father was a bookmaker and his mother worked in a cotton mill. The young Finney attended Salford Grammar School, where he excelled in drama and sports, showing early signs of his acting talent.

After completing his education at Salford Grammar School, Finney went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, a prestigious … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 1963, Huddersfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. 

Sally Wainwright is a distinguished English television writer, director and producer, renowned for her compelling dramas featuring robust female characters and set in her native West Yorkshire. Wainwright’s early life was spent in Sowerby Bridge, where she attended local schools and nurtured a passion for writing from a young age. Her ambition to write for television, particularly for “Coronation Street,” was evident by the time she was nine years old.

Sally Wainwright’s educational journey took her to the University of York, where she studied English and Related Literature. It was … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: June 30, 1982, Peckham, London, England.

Ashley Walters, also known as Asher D, is a British actor and rapper. Raised by his mother, Pamela Case, a local government officer, Walters grew up in a vibrant, multicultural environment that shaped his early life and artistic inclinations. He attended St. George’s CE Primary School in Camberwell and later Pimlico School, now Pimlico Academy, where he completed his GCSEs with good grades across all subjects.

Ashley Walters’ journey into the entertainment industry began with his music career. He rose to fame as a member of the UK garage group So … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 26 August 1946, Liverpool, England. 

Alison Steadman has won awards for her work in film, theatre, and television. She was the youngest of three sisters. She attended Childwall Valley High School for Girls and East 15 Acting School, where she met her future husband, director Mike Leigh.

Alison Steadman made her professional stage debut in 1968 and collaborated with Leigh on several of his TV plays, such as Nuts in May (1976) and Abigail’s Party (1977), in which she played the iconic role of Beverly. She also appeared in many of his films, such as Life Is … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 24 November 1986, Hounslow, London, England. 

Asim Chaudhry is a British comedian, writer, director and actor who rose to fame with his role as Chabuddy G in the BBC mockumentary series People Just Do Nothing, which he co-created with his college friends. He has won several awards and nominations for his comedy performance and writing.

Asim Chaudhry was in Hounslow, London, to a Pakistani Muslim family. His mother is from Karachi and his father is from Lahore. He attended Islamic summer schools during his childhood. He developed an interest in comedy and filmmaking at a young age, … Read more

POW Camps Drama

Prisoner of war camps were a harsh and brutal reality for many people during World War II and other conflicts. These dramas can give us a better understanding of the experiences of those who were imprisoned and the resilience of the human spirit.

We have included “Tenko” and “Empire of the Sun” which featured internment camps.

Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (1983)

During World War II, the defiant British officer Major Jack Celliers arrives at a Japanese POW camp, where he clashes with the rigid and honour-obsessed Captain Yonoi, the camp’s commander. Amidst the brutal conditions, … Read more

British dramas set in India

The British Raj, a period of direct British rule over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947, marked a significant transformation in the region’s history. Following the East India Company’s rule, the British Crown assumed administration, introducing modern infrastructure, education, and legal reforms. However, this period also saw economic exploitation, social upheaval, and growing nationalist sentiments, culminating in India’s independence and partition into India and Pakistan.

Below are six of the best British dramas set in India.

The Jewel In The Crown (1984)

Against the backdrop of the waning years of British rule … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 1946, Annfield Plain, County Durham, England. 

Alun Armstrong grew up in a working-class family. His father worked in a coal mine and both his parents were active members of the Methodist church, serving as lay preachers. Armstrong’s early life was marked by the influence of his parents’ strong work ethic and religious values. He attended Annfield Plain Junior School and later Consett Grammar School, where a teacher inspired him to pursue acting. His first taste of acting came when he played Petruchio in a school production of “The Taming of the Shrew”.

Armstrong’s educational journey was not … Read more

British Oscar Winners

The criteria we are using for the British Oscar winners is that they were made, wholly or in part, by British production companies.

Hamlet (1948)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

The first of our British Oscar winners is “Hamlet”, based on the tragedy by William Shakespeare. It follows the eponymous Prince of Denmark as he seeks revenge for his father’s murder by his uncle Claudius. Through a series of soliloquies, complex relationships, and tragic events, Hamlet grapples with existential questions, loyalty, and the consequences of his actions, leading to a tragic conclusion.

Top cast: Laurence … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 8 August 1988, London, England.

Growing up in a multicultural family of Saudi and English heritage, Aiysha Hart was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. This upbringing greatly influenced her passion for storytelling and her desire to explore different characters and narratives. From an early age, Aiysha exhibited a natural talent for performing, which led her to pursue a career in acting.

Hart’s professional journey began with her training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

In 2013, Hart made her breakthrough with her role as Ariadne in the BBC … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 9 March 1946, Hove, Sussex, England. 

Alexandra Bastedo attended the Brighton College of Art, where she studied acting and drama. Her passion and dedication towards her craft propelled her into the world of theatre and film.

In her personal life, Bastedo was known for her love of animals. She was a devoted animal rights activist and founded the Alexandra Bastedo Champions Animal Sanctuary, which focused on providing shelter and care for abandoned and mistreated animals.

Bastedo’s acting career took off in the 1960s when she landed the role of Sharron Macready in the popular British television … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 20 April 1964, Ruislip Manor, Middlesex, England. 

Andy Serkis is an English actor, director, and motion capture performer. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in motion capture, bringing to life iconic characters through his exceptional performances. Serkis has left an indelible mark on the film industry with his unique talent and dedication.

Serkis developed a passion for acting at a young age and attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing, West London. He later studied visual arts at Lancaster University, where he became involved in theatre productions.

Serkis’s career took a significant turn when he … Read more

Crime drama series Starring Nicola Walker

Crime dramas starring Nicola Walker are exceptional due to her captivating acting, compelling characters, engaging storylines, strong female leads and high production quality. Her performances bring depth and authenticity, while the shows explore dark themes, challenge stereotypes, and deliver suspenseful narratives that keep viewers hooked.

Annika (2021)

Starring Nicola Walker as the sharp, witty, and enigmatic DI Annika Strandhed, this thrilling series follows her as she leads a specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU). Tasked with unraveling unexplained, brutal, and seemingly unsolvable murders, Annika’s skills and determination are put to the test in … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: 2 April 1914, Maida Vale, London, England. 

Growing up in a middle-class family with Scottish and English roots, Alec Guinness discovered his passion for acting at an early age. He attended various local theater productions and developed a keen interest in performing arts. However, despite this passion, he initially pursued a different career path.

After completing his education at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich during World War II where he served as an officer on minesweepers and landing craft tanks; Guinness decided to embark on an acting career instead.

Guinness’s exceptional talent quickly caught the attention … Read more

Ealing Comedies

The Ealing comedies were a series of British films produced by Ealing Studios between 1947 and 1957, known for their wit, satire and often eccentric characters.

Passport to Pimlico (1949)

The first of our the Ealing comedies is Passport to Pimlico. It revolves around the discovery of an ancient document that declares a small London neighborhood as an independent state, leading to conflicts with the British government and other communities, resulting in humorous chaos and a spirited fight for freedom and identity.

Top cast: Stanley Holloway, Betty Warren, Barbara Murray, Paul Dupuis, John Slater, Jane Hylton, … Read more

Mini Biography

Born: March 16 1977,  Mumbai, India.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in art and culture, Ayesha Dharker was exposed to the magic of storytelling from a young age. Her father, Anil Dharker, is a renowned journalist and writer while her mother Imtiaz Dharker is an esteemed poet. This creative environment nurtured her passion for performing arts.

Dharker’s education took place both in India and England. She attended Queen Mary University of London where she pursued English literature with aspirations of immersing herself further into the realm of storytelling. Despite having no formal training as an actor … Read more