Andrew Simpson's journey in the world of drama began at the esteemed Foyle School of Speech and Drama, where he was fortunate enough to be taught by the accomplished Sandra Biddle in his hometown of Derry, Northern Ireland. His parents, Marion and Paddy Simpson, and his two older sisters, Charlotte and Sarah, as well as his younger brother Patrick, all shared in Andrew's passion for the performing arts, having also attended Miss Biddle's renowned training school for drama.
Andrew's early performances in feis (festivals) caught the attention of agent and talent-spotter Patrick Duncan, who introduced him to Aisling Walsh, director of the critically acclaimed film Song for a Raggy Boy (2003). Simpson's breakout role as Gerard Peters in this powerful and thought-provoking drama, which tells the story of a brutal Irish reform school, marked a significant milestone in his career. The film also featured notable performances from Aidan Quinn and Iain Glen.
In addition to his film work, Andrew has had the opportunity to hone his craft on the stage, having performed at the Millenium Forum in Derry in Packy's Wake, and attending Centre Stage Drama holidays in Parkanaur, Northern Ireland, for two consecutive years. He has also been involved in the development of the play Cadanza at Moonstone (2004) and has appeared in advertisements for the PSNI and Invest NI.
One of the most notable highlights of Andrew's career thus far has been his role in the Richard Eyre-directed film Notes on a Scandal (2006),an adaptation of Zoë Heller's bestselling novel. In this critically acclaimed drama, Simpson plays Steven Connolly, an Irish immigrant boy who attends the school where the film's central characters, played by Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench, teach.
