Play/Theatre Production, Royal Shakespeare Company
Adrian Lester CBE
Since winning the EMMA Award
Adrian Lester is a British Jamaican Actor who solidified his status as one of Britain’s most versatile and respected actors, seamlessly transitioning between stage and screen. He continued to deliver powerful stage performances, winning the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Othello at the National Theatre in 2013. His commitment to exploring complex characters was evident in his role in 2012’s Red Velvet, a play written by his wife, Lolita Chakrabarti, which delved into the life of 19th-century Black actor Ira Aldridge.
His Broadway debut came in 2021 with The Lehman Trilogy, which earned him a Tony Award nomination.Beyond acting, Adrian Lester has been recognised for his contributions to drama with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2013 and a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 2020.His cultural impact extends to his advocacy for diversity in the arts and his involvement in charitable organisations. These reflect his dedication to fostering inclusivity and representation in British theatre and television, reflecting EMMA’s work, which had honoured him and his team.
Background (Before 2004)
Born on 14th August 1968, in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican immigrant parents, Adrian Lester began his artistic journey singing in the choir of St. Chad’s Cathedral at age 9 and acting with the Birmingham Youth Theatre at 14. He honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1989. Adrian’s early acting career was marked by acclaimed stage performances, including his portrayal of Rosalind in an all-male production of “As You Like It” in 1991 and Anthony Hope in 1993’s Sweeney Todd.
In 1996, his role as Robert in the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Company earned him the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Transitioning to film, he gained international recognition as Henry Burton in 1998’s Primary Colours, a role that showcased his versatility and depth. In 2003, Adrian played Henry V at the National Theatre, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in British theatre. In 2004, he became widely known to television audiences as the charismatic con artist Mickey Stone in the BBC series Hustle, marking a significant milestone in his on-screen career.
