Stephen Fry

Already a living legend, Stephen Fry is fast becoming that uniquely British icon - a 'national treasure'.

Possessed of a brilliant mind, a natural wit and an extraordinary verbal dexterity, Stephen is the epitome of the Renaissance Man, a modern day Oscar Wilde with a voice that demands to be listened to, read and admired.

Stephen's journey towards apotheosis can be traced back to 1980, when as a Cambridge University student he joined the famous Cambridge Footlights Revue, subsequently performing in (and co-authoring) The Cellar Tapes at the May-week Footlights Revue and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, along with fellow members Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson. The Cellar Tapes won the very first Perrier Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe.

As with many others who first experienced the glare of the limelight whilst members of the Cambridge Footlights Revue, Stephen gravitated towards TV, landing supporting roles in The Young Ones and Blackadder, before becoming one half of Fry & Laurie with university friend Hugh Laurie. The two went on to star in four series of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves & Wooster.

Film parts then beckoned. In a role that was tailor-made for him, Stephen played Oscar Wilde in the Hollywood biopic Wilde; his performance as the beleaguered but brilliant Irish wit won critical acclaim. Maintaining a literary connection, he went on to appear in Tristram Shandy and then direct Bright Young Things, adapted from Evelyn Waugh's novel Vile Bodies. Other films include Sherlock Holmes 2 and Peter Jackson's The Hobbit.

Stephen was the original long time chairman of the BBC2 quiz QI, the intelligent man's panacea for all the other TV quizzes….with a large dash of neat comedy added by regular panellist Alan Davies (as well as guest panellists). Other TV work includes presenting a programme that involves tracking down species facing extinction, travelling across America in a London taxi, lifting a social taboo with a series on depression, and tracing his roots in Who Do You Think You Are? Stephen has also become one of television's most polished Awards Hosts and, in addition, a favourite guest on countless panel shows. On radio, he brought Harry Potter to life for millions of BBC Radio 4 listeners.

Stephen's writing credits include The Liar, Paperweight, The Tennis Stars' Balls and his memoirs Moab is My Washpot and The Fry Chronicles. He also wrote the 'book' for the long-running West End revival of Me & My Girl.

It seems almost churlish to suggest that Stephen would be an ideal speaker for any occasion…of course, that goes without saying! For further details, contact Prime Performers via the online booking enquiry form or alternatively call us on 020 3500 3331.