Simon McBurney
Latest News on Simon McBurney:
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs, and More Will Lead THE APPLE BOYS Industry Reading (Sep 5, 2024)
National Ballet of Canada Brings FRONTIERS: CHOREOGRAPHERS OF CANADA to Sadler's Wells (Jul 8, 2024)
Review: MNEMONIC, National Theatre (Jul 3, 2024)
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs, and More Will Lead THE APPLE BOYS Industry Reading (Sep 5, 2024)
National Ballet of Canada Brings FRONTIERS: CHOREOGRAPHERS OF CANADA to Sadler's Wells (Jul 8, 2024)
Review: MNEMONIC, National Theatre (Jul 3, 2024)
BIO
Simon McBurney is a British actor, writer, and director who has made a name for himself on both stage and screen. Born in Cambridge in 1957, McBurney attended the University of Cambridge before going on to study at the Jacques Lecoq School in Paris. He co-founded the theatre company Complicite in 1983, which has since become known for its innovative and visually stunning productions.
McBurney's stage work includes a number of notable productions, both with Complicite and as a solo performer. In 1997, he wrote and performed in "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" at the National Theatre, which won him an Olivier Award for Best Actor. He also wrote and directed "The Encounter," a one-man show about a National Geographic photographer lost in the Amazon rainforest, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2015 before transferring to the West End and Broadway.
In addition to his stage work, McBurney has also appeared in a number of films and television shows. He played the role of MI6 agent Nigel in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" (2011), and appeared in "The Theory of Everything" (2014) as astrophysicist Frank Hawking. He also played the role of Archdeacon Robert in the BBC series "Rev." (2010-2014).
One of McBurney's most notable stage performances was in the Broadway production of "The Elephant Man" in 2014. McBurney played the role of Frederick Treves, a doctor who takes in John Merrick, a severely deformed man who becomes a celebrity in Victorian London. McBurney received critical acclaim for his performance, with The New Yorker calling him "mesmerizing," and The New York Times praising his "compelling, understated performance."
More recently, McBurney directed the National Theatre's production of "The Master and Margarita" in 2018. Based on the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, the play tells the story of the devil's visit to Moscow in the 1930s. McBurney's production was praised for its inventive staging and use of technology, with The Guardian calling it "a thrilling, disorientating ride."
Photos
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Writer
Creator
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2017 - Distinguished Performance Award
Simon McBurney, The Encounter
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Solo Performance
Simon McBurney, The Encounter
Olivier Awards - 2013 - Best Director
Simon McBurneyThe Master And Margarita
winner
Olivier Awards - 2008 - Best New Play
Simon McBurneyA Disappearing Number
The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director
Simon McBurney, Mnemonic
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Director - Play
Simon McBurney, The Chairs
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Director - Play
Simon McBurney, The Chairs
winner
Olivier Awards - 1998 - Best Theatre Choreographer
Simon McBurneyThe Caucasian Chalk Circle
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Play
Simon McBurney, The Chairs
Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Director of a Play
Simon McBurneyThe Three Lives Of Lucie Cabrol
Olivier Awards - 1995 - Best Director of a Play
Simon McBurneyThe Three Lives Of Lucie Cabrol
Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Play
Simon McBurneyThe Street Of Crocodiles
Videos
VIDEO: Watch An All New Trailer For The Met: Live in HD's 2022/2023 Season
by Alan Henry - Aug 2, 2022
VIDEO: Russell Crowe is Fox News Founder Roger Ailes in THE LOUDEST VOICE
by Kaitlin Milligan - Apr 16, 2019
VIDEO: Watch Filmed Performance of Simon McBurney's THE ENCOUNTER Now!
by Caryn Robbins - May 22, 2017
TV: Out of the Amazon- Simon McBurney Celebrates Opening Night of THE ENCOUNTER
by TV - Opening Night Special - Oct 2, 2016
TV Exclusive: Open Your Ears and Watch the First Trailer for THE ENCOUNTER on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 4, 2016
STAGE TUBE: Watch New Trailer for THE CONJURING 2, Hitting Theatres This June
by Louisa Brady - Mar 26, 2016
VIDEO: First Look - Emma Stone Stars in Woody Allen's MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
by Caryn Robbins - Jul 24, 2014
News
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs, and More Will Lead THE APPLE BOYS Industry Reading
THE APPLE BOYS, a new fast-paced musical comedy set in Gilded Age Coney Island, with book by Jono Lyons and music and lyrics by 2017 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Ben Bonnema, will have industry presentations on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24 in Manhattan at Ripley Grier 38th St. Studios.
THE APPLE BOYS, a new fast-paced musical comedy set in Gilded Age Coney Island, with book by Jono Lyons and music and lyrics by 2017 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Ben Bonnema, will have industry presentations on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24 in Manhattan at Ripley Grier 38th St. Studios.
National Ballet of Canada Brings FRONTIERS: CHOREOGRAPHERS OF CANADA to Sadler's Wells
The National Ballet of Canada will present the UK premiere of Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada at Sadler’s Wells on Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 October 2024.
The National Ballet of Canada will present the UK premiere of Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada at Sadler’s Wells on Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 October 2024.
Review: CYCLES, Barbican Centre
With their new work Cycles, it is clear that Boy Blue are at something of a crossroads.
With their new work Cycles, it is clear that Boy Blue are at something of a crossroads.
Theater Resources Unlimited Town Hall: Adding Accessibility To The D.E.I. Conversations In-Person & Virtual
Join Theater Resources Unlimited for their live monthly panel discussion on adding accessibility to D.E.I. conversations. The event, held both in-person and virtually, will be co-hosted by actor Carey Cox.
Join Theater Resources Unlimited for their live monthly panel discussion on adding accessibility to D.E.I. conversations. The event, held both in-person and virtually, will be co-hosted by actor Carey Cox.
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs & More to Star in THE APPLE BOYS Industry Reading
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs and more will star in an industry reading of the new musical THE APPLE BOYS. Learn more about the show!
Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs and more will star in an industry reading of the new musical THE APPLE BOYS. Learn more about the show!
BroadwayWorld's Olivier Awards 2024 Predictions
The 2024 Olivier Awards are fast approaching on April 14. Ahead of one of the most exciting nights in theatreland, our critics – Aliya Al-Hassan, Mica Blackwell, Alexander Cohen, Katie Kirkpatrick, Kat Mokrynski, Gary Naylor, Kerrie Nicholson, Matthew Paluch and Christiana Rose share their thoughts about who and what will triumph on the night, as well as who should twin each category.
The 2024 Olivier Awards are fast approaching on April 14. Ahead of one of the most exciting nights in theatreland, our critics – Aliya Al-Hassan, Mica Blackwell, Alexander Cohen, Katie Kirkpatrick, Kat Mokrynski, Gary Naylor, Kerrie Nicholson, Matthew Paluch and Christiana Rose share their thoughts about who and what will triumph on the night, as well as who should twin each category.
Melody Bates And 5th Wall Studio to Present ALL THE BIRDS OF THE WORLD
Melody Bates, in partnership with 5th Wall Studio, will present All the Birds of the World, part of her Enchanted Islands. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Melody Bates, in partnership with 5th Wall Studio, will present All the Birds of the World, part of her Enchanted Islands. Learn how to purchase tickets.
San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen Announced As 2024 Polar Music Prize Laureate
Esa-Pekka Salonen, renowned conductor and composer, has been named the 2024 Polar Music Prize Laureate.
Esa-Pekka Salonen, renowned conductor and composer, has been named the 2024 Polar Music Prize Laureate.
Review: BALLET NATIONAL DE MARSEILLE: ROOMMATES, Queen Elizabeth Hall
With an eclectic programme including an immersive dreamscape, an intense two-hander and a revolutionary footstomper, the Ballet national de Marseille present a six-pack of impressive dance pieces.
With an eclectic programme including an immersive dreamscape, an intense two-hander and a revolutionary footstomper, the Ballet national de Marseille present a six-pack of impressive dance pieces.
Review: THE MAGIC FLUTE, London Coliseum
It’s odd to watch an opera where the actual opera is an afterthought. At least that’s how it feels watching Simon McBurney’s The Magic Flute. His revival production sizzles with circus spectacle, high tech pageantry, and boundary breaking chutzpah. But underneath it all you’ll be hard pressed to find the warmth of a beating heart.
It’s odd to watch an opera where the actual opera is an afterthought. At least that’s how it feels watching Simon McBurney’s The Magic Flute. His revival production sizzles with circus spectacle, high tech pageantry, and boundary breaking chutzpah. But underneath it all you’ll be hard pressed to find the warmth of a beating heart.
GROUNDED by Jeanine Tesori to Open The Metropolitan Opera's 2024"25 Season
The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled the 2024–25 season lineup. Learn about the operas being presented and see how to purchase tickets.
The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled the 2024–25 season lineup. Learn about the operas being presented and see how to purchase tickets.
American Symphony Orchestra and Bard Festival Chorale Perform Schoenberg's Gurre-Lieder Next Month
Music Director Leon Botstein leads the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the Bard Festival Chorale in a rare performance of Schoenberg’s massive cantata, Gurre-Lieder, at Carnegie Hall next month.
Music Director Leon Botstein leads the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the Bard Festival Chorale in a rare performance of Schoenberg’s massive cantata, Gurre-Lieder, at Carnegie Hall next month.
Cherry Jones Will Lead THE GRAPES OF WRATH at The National Theatre; Summer 2024 Line-Up Announced
The National Theatre has announced new productions for all three South Bank stages this summer: Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff and Mnemonic in the Olivier theatre and The Grapes of Wrath in the Lyttelton theatre, alongside the previously announced The Hot Wing King in the Dorfman theatre.
The National Theatre has announced new productions for all three South Bank stages this summer: Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff and Mnemonic in the Olivier theatre and The Grapes of Wrath in the Lyttelton theatre, alongside the previously announced The Hot Wing King in the Dorfman theatre.
Cosmo Sheldrake Announces New LP 'Eye To The Ear' & Shares Two New Singles
London-born Cosmo Sheldrake announces his long-awaited second studio album Eye to the Ear via Tardigrade Records. The multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, accomplished live improviser, and field recordist also shares two singles from the album to celebrate the announcement: “Stop the Music” and “Does the Swallow Dream of Flying”.
London-born Cosmo Sheldrake announces his long-awaited second studio album Eye to the Ear via Tardigrade Records. The multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, accomplished live improviser, and field recordist also shares two singles from the album to celebrate the announcement: “Stop the Music” and “Does the Swallow Dream of Flying”.
Manchester Music Festival Unveils 50th Anniversary Season Led By Its New World-Renowned Artistic Director, Philip Setzer
The Manchester Music Festival announces its 50th anniversary season led by new Artistic Director, Philip Setzer.
The Manchester Music Festival announces its 50th anniversary season led by new Artistic Director, Philip Setzer.
Shakespeare's Globe Reveals Company For IF IT PLEASE YOU
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the company of If It Please You, a night of glam, high camp and drag inspired by Shakespeare. Learn more about the event and how to attend here!
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the company of If It Please You, a night of glam, high camp and drag inspired by Shakespeare. Learn more about the event and how to attend here!
Conductor James Gaffigan Unveils 23/24 Season Highlights & Begins Tenure As MD Of Two European Opera Houses
Conductor James Gaffigan unveils his highly anticipated 23/24 season highlights and begins his tenure as Music Director of two prestigious European opera houses. Learn more about his inaugural season at Komische Oper Berlin and his third season at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. P
Conductor James Gaffigan unveils his highly anticipated 23/24 season highlights and begins his tenure as Music Director of two prestigious European opera houses. Learn more about his inaugural season at Komische Oper Berlin and his third season at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. P
Cast Revealed For AS YOU LIKE IT at Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the cast of As You Like It, directed by Ellen McDougall. Learn more about the cast here!
Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the cast of As You Like It, directed by Ellen McDougall. Learn more about the cast here!
ENCHANTED ISLANDS Coming To DownEast Maine In July
Something magical is happening for families of all ages in the Deer Isle woods this summer from July 23-31, 2023.
Something magical is happening for families of all ages in the Deer Isle woods this summer from July 23-31, 2023.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Simon McBurney been in?
Simon McBurney has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Simon McBurney been in?
Simon McBurney has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Simon McBurney been nominated for?
Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Encounter, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Encounter, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Master And Margarita, Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for A Disappearing Number, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Mnemonic, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Chairs, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Chairs, Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Chairs, Best Director of a Play (Olivier Awards) for The Three Lives Of Lucie Cabrol, Best Director of a Play (Olivier Awards) for The Three Lives Of Lucie Cabrol and Best Director of a Play (Olivier Awards) for The Street Of Crocodiles.
What awards has Simon McBurney won?
Simon McBurney has won several notable awards, including Outstanding Solo Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Encounter. He received the Best New Play award at the Olivier Awards for A Disappearing Number. Additionally, he won Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Chairs. McBurney was also honored with the Best Theatre Choreographer award at the Olivier Awards for The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
How many shows has Simon McBurney written?
Simon McBurney has written 3 shows including Mnemonic (Playwright), The Encounter (Writer), The Kid Stays in the Picture (Creator).
Videos