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Stephen Mangan

Stephen Mangan is one of Britain’s most popular modern actors, appearing on stage, television and in film.

Among his most memorable roles are those of Dr Guy Secretan in Green Wing, Adrian Mole in Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years and recently as Bertie Wooster in the highly-acclaimed Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London.

A popular modern British actor

Stephen Mangan was born at Ponders End, London in 1968. A popular and accomplished actor, appearing on the stage, on television and in film, he has also hosted the Evening Standard British Film Awards and the British Television Craft Awards.

Early years and education

The son of Irish parents, Mangan studied at Haileybury (Allenby and Hailey,1981-86) before studying law at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. After gaining his degree, Stephen then went on to study at RADA for three years, graduating in 1994.

Beginnings in theatre

The first six years of his acting career were spent in theatre where he gained numerous plaudits, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company amongst others. His work with the touring company Cheek By Jowl earned him a nomination for the Ian Charleson award for his roles as Sir Benjamin Backbite in The School for Scandal and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing.

Television breakthrough

In 2001, his major breakthrough into TV came in his portrayal of Adrian Mole in the BBC adaptation of Sue Townsend’s Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years. This was followed by further success in the hospital comedy series, Green Wing, in which he played Dr. Guy Secretan. Other work has included Episodes, in which he co-starred with Friends’ Matt Le Blanc and with Tamsin Greig, and his role as Dirk Gently in three separate series featuring the detective for BBC4.

Film roles

Mangan has not been restricted to TV and theatre.

His particular reputation for playing humorously narcissistic characters such as Festival’s Sean Sullivan and the role of Josef in the improvised film Confetti are in many ways typical of his style.

Yet this is not his only talent; in recent years he has appeared as Alastair Caldwell in Rush, the film about racing driver James Hunt and, in 2014 was the voice of Postman Pat in the film of the same name.

Still in demand

Stephen is an engaging actor who appears to be constantly in demand in theatre, TV and the film studio.

His 2009 appearance as Norman in fellow Haileyburian Alan Ayckbourn’s The Norman Conquests at the Old Vic was particularly successful, as was his brilliant and highly entertaining performance as Bertie Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Featuring a a cast of just three, the play won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2014.

Stephen continues to break new ground; 2015 saw him reprise the role of Ed in Birthday, a TV drama about a man who becomes pregnant to enable his high-flying wife to continue with her career.

Other actors from Haileybury

Stephen is one of many acting talents to have emerged from Haileybury in recent years.

These include Simon McCorkindale, Shane Briant, David Jones (aka Rodney Diak). Richard Leech and Robert Speight.

Learn more about Stephen Mangan

Please follow the links below to learn more about Stephen, his career and roles: