John was born in 1981 in Billericay, Essex, to a couple of teachers who were part of a family of four brothers. His early interest in theatre was sparked by watching The Animated Shakespeare Tales on television as a young boy. When his parents separated and he moved with his mother to a village near Stratford-on-Avon, he spent his teenage years watching productions of Shakespeare. This exposure had a profound impact on his life and laid the foundation for his future career in the performing arts.
After completing a three-year university course, John enrolled at the prestigious Webber Douglas Drama school in London. During his time at the school, he also gained valuable work experience as an usher at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Upon graduating, he played walk-on roles with the company, which included being part of the RST Complete Works of Shakespeare Festival.
John's subsequent stage career has been marked by a diverse range of roles, including appearances with the English Touring Theatre in their production of 'Hamlet', the National Theatre's 'Major Barbara', and the black comedy 'The Physicists' at the Donmar Warehouse. He has also earned critical acclaim for his performances in 'Edward II' for the National Theatre in 2013 and 'Oppenheimer' for the R.S.C. in 2015, as well as his title role in 'Macbeth' for the Young Vic.
In addition to his stage work, John has also made a name for himself in television, making his debut in 2006. During the 2010s, he has become increasingly familiar to audiences, playing a range of characters including sinister roles in 'Luther', period pieces in 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell', 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher', and 'Dickensian', and lawyer Jaggers in 'Dickensian', as well as both sinister and period pieces in 'Ripper Street'.
