John H
Francis
Actor / Writer / Director / Voiceover
About
John H Francis is a graduate of the classical acting program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). He has worked extensively in theatre, radio, television and film both in the UK and the USA.
He began working in weekly rep at the Wimbledon Theatre and after appearing in Equus at Watford Palace and King Lear at Birmingham Rep, he played Morgan Evans opposite Annette Crosby in “The Corn is Green” at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.
In London’s West End he appeared in numerous highly acclaimed productions including the World Premiere of “Bent” alongside Ian McKellan at the Royal Court Theatre and the Criterion, the Welsh National Theatre’s Production of “Under Milk Wood” at the Mayfair Theatre, Peter’s Gill’s production of “Julius Caesar” with Robert Flemying, Anthony Head and Phil Daniels at the Riverside Studios.
Whilst working with The English Stage company at the Royal Court theatre he was fortunate enough to meet Samuel Beckett who was rehearsing with Billie Whitelaw.
Under Milk Wood
“Under Milk Wood was an amazing experience. JOHN FRANCIS hit it right out of the park! Captain Cat was really something! Extremely moving and humorous!” – Gordon Trevitt
“Your work was superb!” “You really outdid yourself this time” – Susan Lowenberg Producing Director , L.A. Theatre Works
“The performances of both Kate Burton and John Francis were a master class in how to tackle poetic language as an actor” – Anna Lyse Erikson Associate Producer, L.A. Theatre Works
LATW Production ‘Under Milk Wood’
Under Milk Wood at the James Bridges Theatre LA
John with Rob Brydon
Laura Evans and Kate Burton
Morgan Ritchie and Matthew Rhys
LA Theatre, Berkoff & Pinter
He played the lead in Steven Berkoff’s highly acclaimed and award winning production of “Greek” in Los Angeles , Off Broadway in New York, in San Francisco and on tour in such theatres as the La Jolla Playhouse in California.
For his performance in “Greek” he won the LA Drama Critic’s Circle Award and the Bay Area Drama Circle Award. He owes a huge debt of gratitude to international star of stage and screen and fellow countryman Richard Burton who having seen his work , lent his support to a visa application for him to work in television and film in the USA. Recently he appeared in “School for scandal” at the Skirball Centre in Los Angeles and played the title role in Pinter’s “The Caretaker” at the LA Actor’s company.
In London, he has performed the poetry in Pablo Neruda alongside Royal Academy of Art’s acclaimed artist Peter Griffin. Most recently he played opposite the Royal Shakespear’s Compant Reike Ayolah in Karl Francis’ “Bedwas Boy Mandela” at Chapter Arts in Cardiff.
Davis in ‘The Caretaker’ at The Actor’s Company LA
Film, Theatre, TV and Radio
“Your good work and spirit were greatly appreciated….we look forward to working with you again.” – Steven Bochco, Executive Producer NYPD Blue
“Your Performance of Shakespeare was absolutely perfect. I’ll look forward to see you on the stage someday and to working with you again.” – Debbie Allen, Director ‘A Different World’, ‘Fame’.
“John Francis’s work is terrific and our only regret is that there wasn’t more for him to do. I wish he could get more work because he is so good.” – Junie Lowrie Johnson, Casting Director
FILM APPEARANCES: Monty Python’s “Yellow beard”, Mel Brooks' “To Be Or Not To Be”, Blake Edward’s “Son Of Clouseau”, “Prince Of Thieves”, “Fire” and most recently “Live at the Fox’s Den” with Elliot Gould. “Invasion Roswell” with Denise Crosby, Daniel Hugh Kelly and Greg Evigan.