Jack Bowman

Jack Bowman is a UK stage actor. Hailing from South London, he frequently appears in UK theatre productions all over the country, with occasional television appearances, most notably the ITV soap "Crossroads" in 2002.

Bowman has appeared on the British stage for nearly 14 years, often appearing in many premiere productions, notable examples being "Gareth Parker and Andrew Swann's FROZEN" [http://www.frozentheplay.co.uk] in 2006, (directed first by Robert Valentine and then by Jenny Runacre) Weaver Hughes' "The Importance of Shoes", by James Johnson, which premiered at the [http://www.thegreenroomvenue.com The Green Room] in 2007 before transferring to the Catford Broadway [http://www.thebroadway.co.uk] as he is very supportive of new writing projects. In early 2008 he appeared in a rehearsed extract of "The Station Chief" at Theatre 503 to help showcase new writing.

As a child performer he worked alongside Gordon Yuill, cousin of Jimmy Yuill, before studying at the University of Wales Aberystwyth (also known as Aberystwyth University), studying under Richard Cheshire, Dr David Ian Rabey, and Mike Pearson. During this time he appeared in his first TV role, playing a Cyber Geek in the Five (channel) thriller "The Alchemists". After graduating in 2000, he began appearing on the British stage professionally, his first production being a small scale pantomime tour of "Dick Whittington" playing King Rat and appearing in various TV projects (including "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" and "UK Jack!" for Fuji International Pictures, shown on Fuji Television.

His most notable past credits include appearing alongside David Benson in "The Haunted Stage", playing Bruce Delimitri in Ben Elton's "Popcorn" at the Poole Lighthouse, and Eddie in Jim Cartwright's "Road" for Black Treacle Productions, and as A in Sarah Kane's "Crave".

In 2002 he appeared in the UK soap "Crossroads", playing John, a London barman.

Bowman has also become a company player with [http://www.wirelesstheatrecompany.co.uk The Wireless Theatre Company] who chose "FROZEN" to be their very first production after artistic director Mariele Runacre Temple was impressed with the original stage production. He has recorded three productions since with Wireless Theatre, "FROZEN", "A Funny Old Business" and "The Importance of Shoes", and is currently writing a fourth project with them, currently shrouded in secrecy, which is described as "an old-fashioned, pulp adventure serial and the first part of an audio trilogy".

He is a member of the British Heritage Foundation which is responsible for all stage, TV, film and music entertainment Blue Plaques across the UK.

Trivia

He once worked at the London Dungeon as an actor, alongside Matt Berry, of "Mighty Boosh" fame.

Bowman has also worked as a professional radio DJ, and used to broadcast on Youth FM.

The production of Crave that Bowman appeared in was the first performance of any Sarah Kane writing since her suicide in 1999 allowed by Paines Plough.

He also made a surprise, uncredited appearance in "I Suppose This Is Offensive Now?", the if.comedy Award-Winning Brendon Burns show at the request of cast member Emily Juniper - the idea being to try and surprise Brendon in the middle of his set at the Pleasance Grand venue. Stunned, Brendon promptly christened Bowman as "Gimp Boy" on stage.

His appearance in "The Haunted Stage" alongside was a last minute request to find an actor to fill a role in that production by theatre manager David Roden when the original performer withdrew on the night. Bowman had to tech and learn the show with David Benson in 45 minutes before curtain up.

"FROZEN", his first play, is not to be confused with "Frozen" by Bryony Lavery. To avoid confusion it is officially entitled "Gareth Parker and Andrew Swann's FROZEN". it also has been nominated for Best Writing, Best Direction and Best Overall production in the LOST Theatre Festival 2007, where it finished second overall. Adrian Brown, Tony-winning actor and director, said simply "excellent acting, excellent writing, excellent direction, excellent production. That's all I have to say about that. [http://www.frozentheplay.co.uk] , [http://www.wirelesstheatrecompany.co.uk] "

One of the many people Bowman asked to look at "FROZEN" during the writing process was Dr David Ian Rabey.

He was unable to continue to use his original name, Gareth Parker, for acting purposes after three years due to Equity issues resulting in him losing his stage name. He still however writes under this moniker.

"Jack" was the suggestion of several friends when asked independently, while "Bowman" is a family name taken from his grandmother's brother-in-law.

External links

* [http://www.jackbowman.co.uk Jack Bowman/ Official site]
* [http://www.retropunkx.com/ritual.htm/ Millennium's End]
* [http://www.performanceart2.com//JACK BOWMAN'S PERFORMANCE AND FILM WORKS]