Colin George, a luminary of the stage with an illustrious reputation, embarked upon a remarkable and distinguished career in the world of theatre, following his academic pursuits at the prestigious Oxford University, where he honed his intellectual and artistic talents. It was during this pivotal and transformative period in his life that he made the bold decision to establish a touring Shakespeare company, thereby providing a unique and innovative platform for himself to showcase his extraordinary versatility, impressive range, and unparalleled mastery of the craft as a thespian.
Colin George's extensive career with the company was marked by a diverse range of iconic roles, each one exemplifying his exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to his profession.
As he traversed the vast expanse of his theatrical journey, George had the unique privilege of bringing to life a plethora of memorable characters, including the enigmatic Romeo, the fiery Petruchio, the charming Bassanio, the cunning Cassius, and the heroic Henry V.
These performances, which spanned the gamut of his tenure, were met with widespread critical acclaim and earned the admiration of audiences from far and wide, solidifying George's reputation as a master of his craft.
Colin George's illustrious career was punctuated by a standout moment, as he took to the airwaves of BBC television, a testament to his remarkable aptitude for navigating a wide range of mediums and platforms. This high-profile appearance served as a crowning achievement, cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile thespian, and provided a fitting denouement to his impressive and storied tenure in the world of theatre.
Colin's artistic odyssey commenced with an unwavering dedication to honing his craft, gradually accumulating an extensive repertoire of diverse roles that showcased his remarkable range, featuring his masterful portrayals of the legendary Hamlet and the enigmatic Brutus. As he entered the fifth decade of his remarkable journey, Colin's trajectory underwent a profound shift as he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of direction, his ardent passion for the craft intensifying to an all-consuming inferno.
As the years unfolded, Colin found himself at the forefront of a pivotal moment in his career, marked by a remarkable invitation from the illustrious Sir Tyrone Guthrie, a titan in the world of theatre, to collaborate in the establishment of the prestigious Crucible Theatre in Sheffield alongside the visionary international designer Tanya Moiseiwitsch.
This ambitious venture was deeply rooted in the esteemed traditions of North America's theatrical establishments, a testament to Colin's unwavering passion and dedication to his craft, as well as his boundless creativity and innovative spirit, which continued to propel him forward as a leading figure in the world of theatre.
Tanya Moiseiwitsch
Colin's professional journey was characterized by a series of notable appointments, commencing with his tenure as Artistic Director at The State Theatre of South Australia in Adelaide, a position he held for an impressive six years. Notably, this role was concurrent with his appointment as Head of Acting at the renowned Academy for Performing Arts in Hong Kong, a position he occupied for an impressive eleven years. Following his dedication to these administrative and educational responsibilities, Colin redirected his focus back to his original passion - acting - and joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company in 1993, where he remained for six years until his departure in 1999.
Colin, a veteran performer with an impressive 45-year tenure in the world of performing arts, has been leaving an indelible mark on the industry since the early 1990s. It was in 1993 that he truly made his mark with the premiere of his highly acclaimed one-man show, "My Son - Will!", which was met with widespread critical acclaim and admiration. This remarkable achievement was a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance, as well as his exceptional talent and artistry.
The premiere of "My Son - Will!" at the prestigious Stratford was a crowning moment in Colin's illustrious career, which has spanned multiple decades and has been marked by numerous highlights and milestones. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the performing arts, Colin has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft, always striving to create innovative and memorable performances that captivate and inspire audiences.
Colin's remarkable acting career has been marked by an impressive array of performances, with a significant portion of his repertoire comprised of iconic plays penned by some of the most celebrated playwrights in history, including George Bernard Shaw, whose thought-provoking works often challenged societal norms and conventions, Henrik Ibsen, whose realist dramas explored the complexities of human nature, Anton Chekhov, whose nuanced portrayals of Russian aristocracy offered a poignant glimpse into the human condition, and Moliere, whose witty comedies continue to delight audiences to this day.
Colin's impressive television credits comprise a notable stint within the world's longest-running soap opera, Coronation Street, a renowned and esteemed institution in the realm of television drama, where he has made a significant mark with his talent and dedication. Additionally, he has also made a memorable appearance in a Kung Fu film, a genre that showcases his ability to adapt to diverse roles and push his creative boundaries, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.
Colin's remarkable directing career has traversed the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theatre. His impressive repertoire boasts a multitude of notable credits, with standout performances in Ottawa, Canada, and Stratford, Canada, where his exceptional talent has earned him widespread acclaim.
Beyond his Canadian roots, Colin's work has also been showcased in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and Warsaw, cementing his reputation as a master director. His productions have also had the privilege of being featured at the esteemed Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, a testament to his versatility and artistic range.
But Colin's creative endeavors don't stop there. He has also ventured into the world of Chinese theatre, directing a production of "The Bacchae" that toured Beijing and Shanghai, introducing his unique vision to a new and diverse audience. This bold foray into unfamiliar territory is a testament to his innovative spirit and willingness to push boundaries.
Colin's accomplishments in the realm of direction are truly impressive, but what's equally noteworthy is his unwavering commitment to nurturing the artistic growth and development of the next generation of theatre professionals. For an astonishing eleven consecutive years, he devoted himself to teaching and directing workshops, generously sharing his profound knowledge and expertise with students and aspiring artists.
Through his lectures, he has imparted his vast understanding of Greek and Elizabethan theatre, shedding valuable light on the rich history and evolution of these two influential theatrical traditions. His presentations have been met with widespread acclaim, providing a unique perspective on the significance of these eras in the development of Western theatre.
Anthony Naylor's significant contribution as editor and director to the prestigious production "My Son - Will!" at the illustrious Royal Shakespeare Company's Fringe Festival was truly a remarkable achievement, as he played a crucial role in shaping the creative vision and artistic direction of the show.
Under his expert guidance, the talented Colin flourished, benefiting from Naylor's invaluable mentorship and editorial expertise. As a result, the production was elevated to new heights, showcasing the impressive range and versatility of the cast and crew.
Naylor's extensive experience and deep understanding of the theatrical arts enabled him to bring a unique perspective to the project, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that allowed the team to push the boundaries of storytelling and artistic expression.
As a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication, Naylor's work on "My Son - Will!" was met with widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a highly respected and sought-after editor and director in the industry.
Colin, under Naylor's tutelage, demonstrated remarkable growth and development, his performances receiving rave reviews and earning him recognition as a rising star in the world of theatre.