Paapa Essiedu
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Paapa Essiedu (born 1990) is a British actor. He is known for his work in theatre, though he has also worked in film and television. His latest works include National Theatre Live: King Lear (2014) and Hamlet (2016).
Early life
Born in 1990, Essiedu grew up in East London with his mother, who was a fashion and design teacher. His family comes from Ghana, where he has a half brother and sister. He won a scholarship to The Forest School, Walthamstow and his ambition as he grew older was to become a doctor.[1] Essiedu became more involved with Shakespeare when he was accepted into the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He takes inspiration from his favourite actors: Mark Rylance, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Simon Russell Beale, David Thewlis and Gary Oldman.
Career
Essiedu joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2012 to play Fenton in Phillip Breen's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Afterwards, he went to the National Theatre, playing Burgundy and understudying Edmund in Sam Mendes’ production of King Lear. When Sam Troughton lost his voice during a performance, Essiedu, then his understudy, stepped in and played the role to critical acclaim.[2] He has acted in Outside on the Street (Pleasance Theatre), Black Jesus (Finborough Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Tobacco Factory), You For Me For You (Royal Court), and most recently Hamlet (Royal Shakespeare Company).
Essiedu has set up a theatre company, Invertigo, with Steffan Donnelly, Tim Bowie and Sion Alun Davies.
Performances
Theatre
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Black Jesus | Gabriel |
| 2014 | King Lear | Burgundy |
| 2015 | Romeo and Juliet | Romeo |
| 2015 | You For Me For You | Wade |
| 2016 | Hamlet | Hamlet |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Utopia | Roy | - Episode #1.4 (2013)
- Episode #1.1 (2013) |
| 2015 | Not Safe For Work | Paul | - Episode #1.5 (2015) |
