Black in British Theatre, the early life of Ray Fearon

“It was great to be in London and tour, and to be in the other inner city boroughs as well, doing plays about our black experience”

London’s thriving creative scene and cultural history spans to all corners of the city, making it unique from most. Frequently hosting exhibitions, music events and performances allows for creative talent to be recognised, being showcased to local and international audiences. The endless opportunities allow for creatives in the city to find, share and connect with each other. For People of Colour, the importance of community creates bonds through shared experience and cultural values.

‘Lesson of the Hour’ by Isaac Julien, displayed at the Entangled Pasts: Art, Colonialism and Change Exhibition

Royal Academy of Arts, May 2024

Ray’s Perspective

Entering the industry in the 90s, Ray Fearon, actor of stage, theatre, and film, shared his experience of community in the early foundations of his career. Raised as one of seven siblings in a Jamaican-British household, Raymond had many a story to tell, starting from local theatre groups to touring internationally. Navigating the Black-British identity throughout his personal and professional life, he has established a successful acting career, recently settling down in Nottingham with his partner and two children after living in London for the majority of his life.

“London for me was…is home. You know, I was born in London and I think as an actor, you always want to do stuff at home. It’s like…It’s like being accepted, you know?”

The Royal Shakespeare Company:

Born in 1973, Raymond grew up in Harlesden, situated in the London Borough of Brent and known for its vibrant Caribbean culture, being unofficially recognised as the reggae capital of London. Growing up in the North West, his early acting career formed through community theatre around the borough. Raymond reflected on his early years as an actor and the journey he pursued to achieve working for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“We had a little theatre company called Theatre Troupe, and we started off in a place in Stonebridge…it was an inner city, black inner city area, or predominantly black and we belonged to part of this organisation which we, the community, young guys like…well my brothers and my brother’s best friend, created called HPCC, the Harlesden People Community Council”

†With a passion for performance, Ray progressed his acting career further by attending drama school at Rose Bruford College. Being professionally trained and graduating in the arts, he was soon working with theatre companies all around the UK, officially returning to London later in his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“I was really looking forward to it. But you know, it was the Barbican, it was huge. It was performing Shakespeare in a Barbican Theatre, I think it’s like 1300 people. There was a smaller theatre as well called the pit, which was part of the RSC, based at the Barbican. And that was my next time back.”

One RSC production that stood out in particular was a rendition of Julius Cesar. Being set in Africa with an all-black cast, the company hadn’t seen anything like it and were unsure how to market the play. Being prompted by Ray to expand their advertising to inner-city areas with predominantly black populations, the audiences were soon formed and extras were even auditioned. Being at the RSC for 10 years, it was the first time Ray has seen a majority in Black audience members, and a major step on Black people being more welcomed and marketed to for Shakespearean productions.

Raymond has been in the creative industry for 30 years, performing in both stage and screen. His acting path began with community theatre in Harlesden, performing plays about his cultural identity, soon taking him to international stages and TV screens worldwide. Now living in Nottingham, Raymond enjoys seeing shows with his family and friends, as well as performing.

“We worked on a new play with a Nottingham company, a brand new play with some people I’ve never met before in my life. And, you know, an artistic director and a company that I hadn’t a clue about that is based in Nottingham and yeah, that was great.”

One of Raymond’s more recent achievements is being elected President of his former drama school, Rose Bruford College. A full circle moment in Ray’s career, his ceremony will be taking place in October this year.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to become the President of Rose Bruford College and champion and inspire our next generation of students. With all the changes and cuts to the arts and its funding in education, I felt it was important for me to be involved and help where I can. I’ve always mentored students and young performers from various institutions, like the National Youth Theatre and the Next Generation Project for the Royal Shakespeare Company. It felt right to be able to return to Rose Bruford College, where I had a fabulous three years’ training to become an actor, to continue to help young performers.”

Ray Fearon for ‘Rose Bruford College’ Article, 13th June 2024

Raymond still holds the sense of community in London close to him, giving back in whichever way he can. He has found inspiration from his family, friends and those he’s met along the way, and I myself have been inspired by Raymond. A man who has done remarkable work towards changing the industry for people of colour, I am proud to call him family.