I am a vicar's son raised in Yorkshire but now living in Cambridge. I trained as a drama teacher at the Central School of Speech and Drama, London from 1974-77, and went straight into children's theatre, community theatre, rep and then extensive northern TV and film. I was awarded 'Best cast in a movie' in 1997 by SAG for Playing Barry in The Full Monty.
My next feature film is Allelujah to be released by Pathe on 17th March 2023. Directed by Richard Eyre from a stage play by Alan Bennett (screenplay by Heidi Thomas) it stars Judi Dench, Jennifer Saunders and Russel Tovey. Allelujah set in The Bethlehem (a geriatric hospital in Wakefield, Yorkshire) threatened with closure. I feature as Richard (half of 'Friend's of the Beth' with my screen wife Amanda Root).
Outside of acting I am a graduating year BA (Hons) Painting student with the University for the Creative Arts - Open College of the Arts campus where I have been studying since 2016. I hope to graduate in 2023 and set up a painting practice alongside my acting career. Here's my art website: www.paulbutterworthartist.com
Still from Allelujah trailer as Richard... 'Friend of the Beth'