Jimmy O'Rourke

It seems that an actor's success across different playing types always lies with versatility. Jimmy started off versatile, born into an Irish family but brought up in Liverpool. This means that he has a great understanding of not only Irish culture, but also the communities of Irish people who subsequently made their homes in England. He has played many different Irish characters over the years and would love to play more Liverpudlian ones, but perhaps the choice is not so plentiful.

Brendan Behan is a character Jimmy has played on more than one occasion in "On Raglan Road". The latest version of this production has just completed a successful tour of Northern Ireland and Eire.

Last year Jimmy played Behan later in life in "Behan's Women", where two women are vying for the writer's affections. This play was a great success in its run at The Pentameters.

Other Irish plays Jimmy has appeared in include "Dance Hall Days", "Our Father" and "Molly Malone, The Musical".

Whilst Irish audiences are very loyal, Jimmy does enjoy classical theatre as well. Shakespeare credits include "Macbeth" and "Shrew", as well as a small role in the movie "Shakespeare in Love".

Where language and rhythm are so important in Shakespeare, Jimmy has another major skill. He is a very strong physical theatre actor. He seems to be able to mould his body into any shape, showing us the character's personality, experiences and strengths before he even utters a line.

Jimmy's background as a stand-up comedian means that improvisation and off-the-cuff remarks are natural for him.

With the sad recent passing of the Improvisation specialist, Ken Campbell, Jimmy realises that he was very lucky to have worked with the man on several occasions.

Always interesting to talk to, and always on the go, Jimmy is one actor you should not miss, if he is performing anywhere near you.