Malcolm Sinclair, Class of 1969

After leaving Trinity, Malcolm read drama and theology at the University of Hull and went on to do a one-year postgraduate acting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After seven years in different repertory companies around the country, he made his London debut in 1985 at the Notting Hill Gate Theatre in Arthur Schnitzler’s play Anatole, which he describes as the first thing that got him noticed.

Since then, he has appeared with both the National and Royal Shakespeare Company and has taken on musical roles in productions including Privates on Parade and My Fair Lady. On television, he has been bumped off several times in who-dunnit mystery dramas, though he stayed the course as supercilious Assistant Chief Constable Freddie Fisher in Pie in the Sky. In July 2010 he was elected the president of Equity, the actors’ union.

Looking into the school archives, I can see you performed in many school plays, including the lead in Cyrano De Bergerac and Becket. What impact did Trinity have on the career you chose?

It was the only thing I was any good at, so that helped. They were good plays and I enjoyed myself so much! I also realised that I could

Did you have any mentors or influential teachers at school who helped shape your education or career path? If so, how did they inspire or guide you?

Yes, Mike Lee, who taught French and took over the school plays, saw that I might be good at acting. So, I owe him a lot.

What advice do you have for current students at Trinity to make the most of their time there and succeed academically and personally?

God knows. Look after each other and any chance you get to do something, do it. I imagine school is a very different place now than when I was there.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in the competitive world of acting?

Humour, a sense of self, curiosity about others, imagination, and a love of how people behave.

As an actor and former president of Equity, the UK actors’ union, what do you see as the most significant challenges facing actors in the modern entertainment industry?

The industry has shrunk. When I began almost 50 years ago now, most major towns and cities had

repertory theatres with permanent ; that’s where you learnt how to do it. They have all disappeared.

Pay is not so good because Mrs Thatcher abolished the closed shop, weakening Equity and damaging permanently the incomes of actors.

You’ve had a diverse career spanning film, television, and theatre. Can you share some highlights or favourite moments from your career?

Very difficult to say. Most of my work has been in the theatre. Working with Alan Ayckbourn and touring the USA with Ian McKellen’s Richard III are a couple of highlights.

As the former president of Equity, what were some of the key achievements or initiatives you worked on to support actors and performers in the industry?

I tried to get the union and working actors and professionals working more closely together. Unions are there to prevent exploitation of young vulnerable people. We had some success, and membership went up.

What are some of the most memorable roles you have played, and how did you approach preparing for those characters?

The nastiest men I have played, and I mean really evil, were two Ayckbourn characters in Man of

Can you share any anecdotes or interesting experiences from your time as an actor or as the president of Equity that have left a lasting impression on you?

Nothing publishable, I’m afraid! I was once told that at certain meetings with Equity members I had a certain “lofty ennui”! I hope it wasn’t true!

As a prominent figure in the acting community, what advice do you have for aspiring actors who are just starting their careers?

It’s difficult to offer advice. I am not sure I would have had a career if I started now; I did seven years’ rep where I became the actor I am today. That is not possible now.

What’s next for Malcolm Sinclair?

I’m rehearsing As You Like It for the Royal Shakespeare Company. I’m playing Orlando, a part I played 45 years ago when I was the right age! Not sure how it will work out this time . . . Then, I think, a play in Chichester. So, at least I’m busy.

To book tickets click here:https://www.rsc.org.uk/as-you-like-it/tickets