Robert Lindsay

Born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire in 1949, Robert Lindsay is a beloved British stage and television actor. He returned to the West End in 2021, playing Moonface Martin in Anything Goes at the Barbican.

Toying with the idea of a theatrical career growing up, Lindsay decided to take it seriously at college. However, he didn’t intend to perform, instead training to become a drama teacher. During his training, friends convinced him to apply to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), and he successfully gained a place.

Lindsay made his West End debut in 1980, playing Tom Wrench in Trelawny of the ‘Wells’ at the Old Vic. His breakout role came in 1984 though, winning an Olivier Award for his performance as Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl. The 1990s saw Lindsay take command of numerous West End shows, including Becket and Cyrano de Bergerac at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. He also took over the role of Fagin in Oliver! at the London Palladium.

Often considered one of Britain’s leading actors, Robert Lindsay took on a role previously portrayed by the history-making actor, Laurence Olivier. In 2007, he played Archie Rice in The Entertainer. Peter Brown wrote in London Theatre, “his performance here is everything one could wish for. Lindsay is certainly adept in the song and dance department, easily convincing us that he's got what it takes.”

In 2011, he starred in The Lion in Winter at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring Joanna Lumley and directed by Trevor Nunn. He also played Lawrence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre. 2016 saw him play Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Lyceum Theatre, in a concert version performed for two nights. Robert Lindsay then took on the role of Moonface Martin in Anything Goes, starring alongside Sutton Foster.