Colin George's journey began with a remarkable feat - graduating from Oxford University. This marked the starting point of his illustrious career, which would see him embark on a thrilling adventure as a touring Shakespeare company. Before long, he had taken on iconic roles such as Romeo, Petruchio, Bassanio, Cassius, and Henry V, with the latter being featured on BBC television.
As his career progressed, Colin continued to hone his craft, adding Hamlet and Brutus to his impressive repertoire of Shakespearean characters. It was during this period that he made the transition from acting to directing, a move that would have a profound impact on his professional trajectory.
In the early years of his directing career, Colin established the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, a venture that was inspired by the esteemed theatres in North America, including those in Minneapolis and Stratford, Ontario. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would see him work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry.
Colin's subsequent move to Australia as the Artistic Director of the State Theatre of South Australia in Adelaide was a significant milestone in his career. During his six-year tenure, he was responsible for overseeing a wide range of productions, from classical plays to musical comedy. His experience in Australia was followed by an eleven-year stint as the Head of Acting at the prestigious Academy for Performing Arts in Hong Kong.
After returning to his roots in the UK, Colin joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1993 and remained a part of the organization until 1999. During this period, he had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented actors and directors in the industry.
In 2000, Colin premiered his one-man show, "My Son - Will!", a production that would go on to tour extensively throughout the world. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one that would see him focus on his own creative endeavors.
Throughout his forty-five-year career, Colin has had the privilege of working on a wide range of productions, from the classics of Shaw, Ibsen, Chekhov, and Moliere to musical comedy. His television appearances have included a stint on the world's longest-running soap opera, Coronation Street, while his film credits include a Kung Fu movie.
Colin's impressive resume also includes a wealth of experience in directing internationally, with productions staged in Ottawa, Stratford, Canada, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Warsaw, and the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. His Chinese production of "The Bacchae" toured to Beijing and Shanghai, a testament to his ability to adapt to different cultural contexts.
In addition to his work as a director, Colin has also had the opportunity to share his expertise with the next generation of performers. He has taught for eleven years, directing workshops and lecturing on the Greek and Elizabethan theatre.
Throughout his career, Colin has been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. His editor and director for "My Son - Will!" was Anthony Naylor, a collaborator who has worked with him on numerous projects over the years. Colin's membership in the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1970s marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career that would see him direct productions in London, the United States, and beyond.
From his early days as a touring Shakespeare company to his current status as a respected director and performer, Colin George's career has been marked by a commitment to his craft and a passion for storytelling. His numerous credits, which include twenty-five off-Broadway productions and several nationwide classical tours, serve as a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to the world of theatre.
