Cal McCrystal, born Cahal McCrystal on August 6, 1959, to journalist Cahal McCrystal and social worker Stella, grew up in Belfast before moving to London in 1964 and later to the United States in 1967 due to his father's job as the Sunday Times New York bureau chief.
In 1970, the family returned to London, where Cal's schoolmates noticed his distinct Stateside accent and his developing passion for acting, which was encouraged by his drama teacher, Helen Woodhouse. Despite attending a catering college, Cal's true ambition was to pursue a career in the theatre.
After graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1981, Cal began hosting youth programs for Yorkshire Television and went on to direct for the Edinburgh Festival, Cambridge Footlights Revue, and Derby Playhouse, where he worked with Jenny Éclair in 'The Killing of Sister George'.
Fast forward to 2011, Cal was invited by Nicholas Hytner to serve as the associate director on 'One Man Two Guvnors', a role that later evolved into physical comedy director. This critically acclaimed production combined slapstick, energetic performances, musical interludes, and audience participation to drive the plot forward.
