Scripted by Sue Limb ( Gloomsbury, The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere ), The Sit Crom features a wealth of comedy acting talent including Joss Ackland as Sir John Firebasket, Miriam Margolyes as Mercy and Alun Armstrong as Captain Arise Higgs. Seven years on, how do you look back on your 10 years in New Tricks now? id: "beb5f82f-dce3-49e6-a836-cf24eb78a6f6", Most fans will admit that they did not see Alun's exit coming- it was a total shock and probably a deal-breaker for the show. He started out as an assistant stage manager at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, then went on to a Theatre in Education company affiliated with the Sheffield Repertory Theatre. He was born on August 13, 1941, in Barnt Green, United Kingdom.In addition, Bolam celebrates his birthday on the 23rd day of August. { Alan Armstrong. [citation needed] He instead studied fine art at Newcastle University. "University of Bristol Theatre Collection", "Cast confirmed for BBC Two's cycle of Shakespeare films", "Filming starts on second series of BBC One's The Village", "Last Tango in Halifax actress Sarah Lancashire begins shooting new crime drama in Yorkshire", "BBC One - Gentleman Jack - Samuel Washington", "A Clash of Cultures Provide Drama in the Theatre of War", "2013 Finalists Nominated for the Offie Awards", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joe_Armstrong_(actor)&oldid=1098969016, Series 3, Episode 3: "They Fought in the Fields", Series 4, Episode 1: "Once Upon a Time on the Westway", Series 7, Episode 2: "Old Sparks Come New", Nominated: Offie Award for Best Male Performance, This page was last edited on 18 July 2022, at 10:10. cb: (new Date()).getTime() Armstrong and his wife, Sue, have three sons: Tom, Joe (also an actor), and Dan. I've been lucky I never had any health problems and the only thing I have to guard against is weight, but my weakness for Thai food can sometimes sabotage my efforts to always eat healthily. [1] He attended Elliott School in Putney from 1993 to 1997. He is an actor, known for Krull (1983), The Mummy Returns (2001) and Sleepy Hollow (1999). Alun Armstrong is playing a criminal, rather than a cop, in his latest role Credit: Rex Features Alun, born "Alan", is a 70-year-old British actor who grew up in County Durham, North East England. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 6th October-10th . Born on December 14, 1973 in Canada, Sue Armstrong started his career as Athlete . Aluns age now is 68 years old. His first cinematic lead role was as Maxwell Randall, the titular vampire in Alan Clarke's snooker musical Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire (1987). Roy (Alun Armstrong) and Barbara Grade (Sue Johnston) are an unexceptional, happily married couple, Living in Margate with their teenage son Mark (Johnny Lee Miller). How did Susan Jameson (opens in new tab) react to the news you were leaving? Alun Armstrong's Life Path Number is 8 as per numerology. Love Island fans are confused after bombshell is 'sacked', The Blacklist season 10: release date, cast and everything we know about the crime drama, Wolf Pack: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the TV show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always release date, cast and everything we know about the Power Rangers reunion. His son Dan Armstrong is a musician in the Band Clock Opera. Number 27. My mother suffered dementia late in her life and I saw her memory slip away slowly. Sue Limb Narrated by: Alun Armstrong, Clive Merrison, Denise Coffey, and others Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins Original Recording . [23] He has appeared in two versions of Oliver Twist: the 1999 ITV mini-series as Agnes Fleming's father Captain Fleming and the 2005 Roman Polanski film as Magistrate Fang. [73] At the Proms in 2012, he played Alfred Doolittle in a performance of My Fair Lady starring Annalene Beechey and Anthony Andrews. On stage, he played the lead role in D. C. Moore's The Empire and appeared in the 2011 revival of Flare Path. 13. . Born in County Durham, the son of a coal miner, he took jobs working as a bricklayer and gravedigger before breaking into showbiz, landing parts in radio plays before winning his first big-screen role in classic 1971 thriller Get Carter, alongside Michael Caine. he is one of famous Athlete with the age 47 years old group. Your departure also spells the end for your on-screen wife Esther. From now on I will always be here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 UnApix.com. Talking about Alun Armstrongs age, Alun is 72 years old and he will be 23 on coming July. He particularly remembered Dan Peggotty's houseboat on the beach, and in order to play the role he turned down an offer from Clint Eastwood, with whom he had worked on White Hunter Black Heart. Let us seek out some friendlier sky. New Tricks might now be threatened, however, as one of the stars Amanda Redman has announced her departure at the end of the current season. He played Joe Gowlan in The Stars Look Down (1974) based on the novel by A. J. Cronin and he appeared in Ken Loach's Days of Hope (1975) set in his native County Durham. Then came the bombshell: Alun Armstrong suddenly left the series himself! He has also done many theater shows including The Changing Room, Dracula, A Fart for Europe, as you like It, The Passion, to name few. Newman. [58], He sings on Original London Cast Recording. Armstrong was one of the original cast members who made BBC's Channel 1 New Tricks such a hit for close to a decade.. After playing this role since 2003, when New Tricks debuted, Armstrong quit after the ninth series. ALTHOUGH well-known for playing obsessive ex-detective Brian Lane for 10 years in hit BBC series New Tricks, Alun Armstrong's career has spanned a huge range of roles, across TV, films and theatre. Amanda Redman Alun Armstrong The current season is the last that Redman will appear in. Armstrong and Julian Fellowes previously starred together in The Aristocrats. Terrence Mann, Colm Wilkinson, Robert Billig - Les Miserables - Highlights. Alan Armstrong, known professionally as Alun Armstrong, is an English actor. This is a real turning point for Brian. "[60] He was surprised by the success of Les Misrables "because it is different to other musicals. . After a day of previewing TV, writing about TV and interviewing TV stars, Elaine likes nothing than to relax by watching TV. He had three children with Sue Armstrong. Chief Const. [2], Armstrong made his screen debut in Get Carter (1971). Events. Supt. We hope you enjoy it! Alun Armstrong Samuel West Donald Churchill Michael Elphick : Komponist : Barrington Pheloung : Oprindelsesland : Det Forenede Kongerige . He also appeared in the 25th anniversary concert, though Matt Lucas performed the role of Thnardier. 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z, Help Alun Armstrong Popularity . . For the first time he sees theres another life waiting for him hes about to become a grandfather and has a chance to put things right with his son, having been a very poor dad.. [45] He performed in the drama Ghosts of Heathrow in 2014[46] and in adaptations of The Bone Clocks,[47] The Book Of Strange New Things[48] and The Trial.[49]. I always play very colourful characters, often a bit crazy, despotic, psychotic".[1]. Sue Ellen Armstrong is a new student in Mr. Ratburn's third grade class at Lakewood Elementary School, upon moving to Elwood City from abroad. Produced by Jonathan James-Moore. For this role, he was nominated for the Royal Television Society Award. [53] In 1983, he played Ralph Trapdoor in The Roaring Girl starring Helen Mirren. In 1995, he appeared in the movie Braveheart. Armstrong attended Annfield Plain Junior School and then he joined Consett Grammer School where he was inspired to chose acting. The previous season 8, was the shows most successful, with extraordinarily high ratings. The season finale of the crime drama was not as dramatic as fans expected. Further, he appeared in the role of Thenardier in the London production of Les Miserables. Alun Armstrong is British by birth. Actors Index: Roy (Alun Armstrong) and Barbara Grade (Sue Johnston) are an unexceptional, happily married couple, Living in Margate with their teenage . I will miss the gang and . The play premiered at the Traverse Theatre in August and then moved to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in September and the Soho Theatre in London in October. Age (2022) 75. The couple shares three sons Joe Armstrong, Tom Armstrong, and Dan Armstrong. Although hes been dismissed from UCOS he cant resist taking on one more job. He played Wackford Squeers and Mr. Wagstaff in the eight-hour Royal Shakespeare Company stage adaptation of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby that was filmed for television in 1982. Get the day's headlines delivered directly to your inbox, Alun Armstrong newly appointed ambassador for the MS Society, Leona O'Neill: Those who are careless about our peace should remember how far we have come, Parenting: How showing a lack of emotion can impact your child's development, Racial justice at heart of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Latest Stormont powersharing deadline set to fall, Legacy Bill will end merry-go-round' of legacy court cases Defence Secretary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Game; Alun Armstrong. Love Island: South African dishes you need to try as the winter series kicks off, Tourism chief: UK Government's biometric border plans 'could undo a decade of progress', Jollyes says bumper Christmas sales set new records, Blur's Dave Rowntree and John Cale lead new music offerings this week, Blur drummer Dave Rowntree: The most interesting sound on the radio happens in between the stations, Brian Feeney: Donaldson has left himself no room to manoeuvre, Deagln de Bradn: History shows Labour can't always be trusted by nationalists, Manchester City top Deloitte Football Money League for second year running, Erik ten Hag felt he had to play Casemiro in important' game against Palace. [4], Joe Armstrong's first television role was a bit part in a 2003 episode of The Bill, followed by a brief appearance in the ITV mini-series Between the Sheets starring his father Alun Armstrong. Mini Bio (1) Alun Armstrong is a British actor who is known for playing Cardinal Jinette from the Van Helsing franchise, Baltus Hafez from The Mummy Returns, Uncle Garrow from Eragon, the High Constable from Sleepy Hollow and Maxwell Randall from Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire. He originated the role of Thnardier in the London production of Les Misrables, and won an Olivier Award in the title role in Sweeney Todd. Initially, Armstrong tried to distance himself from his comments during the interview stating that the cast and everyone on the team has been one big happy family since the series debuted. We were all well-established and didn't try compete with each other as actors ,so the atmosphere was completely friendly and relaxed. })(document); Annfield Plain, County Durham, England, UK. [22], Armstrong has portrayed characters from the works of Charles Dickens. See Susan Jameson full list of movies and tv shows from their career. [30], In the BBC drama series Our Friends in the North (1996), he played Austin Donohue, a character based on the politician T. Dan Smith. Joanne Froggatt . Alun Armstrong was born on July 17, 1946 in Annfield Plain, County Durham, England as Robert Alun Armstrong. Both father and son played the younger and older versions of the same character in the 2010 BBC drama A Passionate Woman. [1], He guest starred in an episode of Hustle in 2011, and he was a regular cast member in the third series of Land Girls. Is TikTok Star Caroline Gregory Dating? How old is James Bolam? Shes very bossy and, I have to admit, so am I!. [55][56] In 198586, he played Thersites in Troilus and Cressida. Susan George (1950), Thomas Campbell Eyton (1809), Sandy Denny (1947), Linus Roache (1964), and Henry . The father and son duo had played the younger and older version of the same character in 2010 BBC drama A Passionate Woman. Music by Colin Sell. See More: Emily Longstreth Bio, Death, Age, Affair, Boyfriend, and Net Worth. [17] He also played Wackford Squeers in Nicholas Nickleby. In 2010, he co-starred with Billie Piper in the two-part drama A Passionate Woman as the husband of a woman who has an affair. Alun Armstrong's Net Worth. Since his career began in the early 1970s, he has played, in his words, "the full . We have a reunion every year as we became friends for life. [81], For those of the same or a similar name, see. Father and son played older and younger versions of the same character in the 2010 BBC drama A Passionate Woman. Ive been thinking about it for a while, Redman, who plays Sandra Pullman on the show, commented for The Mirror. Come, Cosette, say goodbye. He also starred in Eragon, starring Ed Speleers. 4. Armstrong made his screen debut in the year 1971 through the movie Get Carter. He has been married to Susan J Bairstow since 1977. Alun Armstrong speaks out against New Tricks. "I've been very fortunate to be able to follow a career that I love, and it just seems right to remember those who've been less fortunate and offer a bit of help.". Screen star: Jameson with Alun Armstrong, left, and Richard Wilson in New Tricks in 2009 Alan Armstrong (born 17 July 1946), known professionally as Alun Armstrong, is an English actor.Armstrong grew up in County Durham in North East England.He first became interested in acting through Shakespeare productions at his grammar school.Since his career began in the early 1970s, he has played, in his words, "the full spectrum of characters from the grotesque to musicals. Joe is also an actor. [70] In 199798, he appeared in a production of the comedy The Front Page directed by Sam Mendes at the Donmar Warehouse. New Tricks was no longer the show it used to be, as all the original characters were gone and replaced by just any grey-haired actor the BBC would land. There was a problem. He played many television series including North East England, The Stars Look Down, and Days of hope. [62] In 1988, he was again nominated for the Olivier Award for the roles of Barabas in an RSC production of The Jew of Malta and the Captain in a National Theatre production of The Father by August Strindberg. [44] Dan was a musician in the band Clock Opera. As well as active involvement in the WTW familys social media accounts, she has been known to get chatty on the red carpet and wander into the odd podcast. Initially, he tried to stay mum about his reasons for quitting and even downplayed his exit, hoping fans would just let it slide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). [2][39] He also starred in The Girls Who Came to Stay (2006), about a British couple who take in two girls exposed to the effects of the Chernobyl disaster,[40] and Filth (2008), as the husband of "Clean-Up TV" activist Mary Whitehouse. Armstrong didnt quite give a reason for his departure, leaving fans worried about the future of the popular police procedural series. His spouse is Sue Armstrong (m. 19 New Tricks also stars Amanda Redman, Dennis Waterman and Alun Armstrong. Love Has Come of Age (from Highlighs from Jekyll & Hyde) how many children do you have? The character of Brian Lane is an obsessive and socially inept recovering alcoholic who has a great capacity for remembering details of old cases and colleagues. In 1990s, he played in the episodes of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? When youre continuously into the field of acting then its obvious that media will show some curiosity to know who is your wife? He and his wife Sue are having three sons. Spouse/Ex-: Sue Armstrong (m. 1977) siblings: Elaine Stott. You will receive a verification email shortly. First broadcast on New Year's Day 2015, the drama also features Alun Armstrong, Natasha Little, David Calder, Phoebe Fox, Sam Reid and Joanna David. T he comedian and television presenter is embarking on the . . [11] He also had small roles as the High Constable in Sleepy Hollow (1999),[12] Cardinal Jinette in Van Helsing (2004),[13] Magistrate Fang in Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist (2005) and Uncle Garrow in Eragon (2006). Alun Armstrong. Famous Alun Armstrong was born on July 17, 1946 in United Kingdom. [21] Armstrong was nominated for a Stage Award for Best Actor. Away from acting, Armstrong has been a long-time supporter of the MS Society and recently become an ambassador for the charity. + qs; Bolam's real-life wife, Susan Jameson, plays the wife of Armstrong's character, Brian Lane, in the series. [38], During the run of New Tricks, Armstrong continued to take on other projects. wid: "428986", . In the television series New Tricks (2003) his wife is played by Susan Jameson who is actually married to co-star James Bolam. [66], Armstrong won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1994 for his performance as Sweeney Todd in the 1993 London revival of the musical at the National Theatre. He has three sons, Joe Armstrong, Tom Armstrong, and Dan Armstrong. Here are his old mates practically turning against him, which makes him question whether he would want to be back with the gang again. What's the best piece of advice you've received? In July 2009, Alun received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia and an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Sunderland. He also performed in several Radio 4 dramas. Brian says if he doesnt have a case his head hurts. d.getElementById("contentad428986").appendChild(s); He then studied at the University of Bristol, where he acted in The Brecht Projecta collection of scenes from the works of Bertolt Brecht . He was also awarded the Laurence Olivier Theater Award in 1994 (1993 season) for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Sweeney Todd at the Royal National Theater. March 23 - Pretty Woman is released and grosses $463 million, making Julia Roberts a worldwide star. Later, he started to work as an assistant manager at the Cambridge Arts Theater and went on to Theater in Education Company affiliated with the Sheffield Repertory Theater, where he performed in several Radio 4 dramas. [59] He was involved in fleshing out his role, particularly in the second act song "Dog Eats Dog. Join Cast of BBC PROMS", "Alun Armstrong, Kenneth Cranham and Greg Hicks to star in plays at Ustinov Studio", "Honorary Degrees Announced at University of East Anglia", "Stratford Plunges Into Tales Of Revenge", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alun_Armstrong&oldid=1132375013, Dramatised health and safety documentary on lead poisoning, Series 1, episode 6: "The Iron Horse: Part 2", Series 3, episode 6: "It's Always a Gamble", Series 2, episode 12: "Conduct Unbecoming", Series 1, episode 12: "Dirtier by the Dozen", Series 3, episode 5: "A Test of Character", Series 3, episode 8: "Shoulder to Shoulder", Series 1, episode 8: "Officers of the Law", Series 1, episode 1: "Guilt on the Gingerbread", Informational programme with comedy sketches, Season 6, episodes 2426: "England Show," Parts I, II and III, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 15:45. Alun Armstrong was born on 17th July 1946 in Annfield Plain, County Durham. They have three children. There is no information about his previous affairs or dating relationships. Personal Life of Alun Armstrong. [35] In an adaptation of Carrie's War, he played a strict man who reluctantly takes in two children evacuated to Wales during World War II. If I go on holiday abroad, there always be at least one person who will come up to me and ask, 'Where's your bike, Brian?' His biography can also be found on Wikipedia. Category: BBC . We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous Athlete The same case is with Alun Armstrong. The end of the shows current season will be marked by another departure, as ex-DI Brian Lane, played by co-star Alun Armstrong, is also exiting the show. Actors British Men. [4], Armstrong took part in the National Youth Theatre summer school in 1964, but his background and northern accent made him feel out of place. He co-starred with Maxine Peake in Miss Julie at the Royal Exchange and with Louise Brealey in a touring production of Constellations. [1][2] He attended Annfield Plain Junior School, then Consett Grammar School, where a teacher inspired him to try acting. [21] He also starred in the 1981 Yorkshire Television drama Get Lost! [12] In December 2016 he also appeared as William Allison in Wainwright's To Walk Invisible, a television biopic about the lives of the Bronte family.[13]. [32] He was nominated for a Royal Television Society award for his role in This Is Personal. Different because it is a sung musical throughout and also a little operatic; I didn't think it would be very popular. Porridge and The Sweeney. As part of its Tuesday panel at the Television Critics . He is an actor, known for Krull (1983), The Mummy Returns (2001) and Eragon (2006). "I was 15 and didn't know have a clue what I wanted to do with my life, when I saw a TV programme about a drama school, and I remember how much I'd loved acting at primary school - the only lesson I was any good at. James Bolam Wife. Born Alan Armstrong in Annfield Plain, County Durham, his father was a coal miner and both his parents were Methodist lay preachers. In August 2012, Armstrong announced he would leave the show after the tenth series. We discussed various ideas and realised I would be sad if Brian was bumped off. Alun Armstrong is a British actor who is known for playing Cardinal Jinette from the Van Helsing franchise, Baltus Hafez from The Mummy Returns, Uncle Garrow from Eragon, the High Constable from Sleepy Hollow and Maxwell Randall from Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire. Privately, he thought I was more suited to the part. I followed his advice from then on and it really pushed my career forward. Is it true you had decline a part in the recent film version of Les Miserables? in 2000. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. He had a small role in a movie A Bridge Too Far, had a supporting role as the bandit leader Torquil in the fantasy film Krull. Billie Piper leads top British cast boasting Sue Johnston, Alun Armstrong and Frances Barber in Kay Mellor's poignant love story, A Passionate Woman, for BBC One. Alun Armstrong Family Background & Career. He reprised the role, paired with Jenny Galloway as Mme. Alun Armstrong (born 17 July 1946) is an English character actor. The film is about the bank robbery allegedly committed by the Ioanid Gang in 1959 Romania. He is an actor, known for Krull (1983), The Mummy Returns (2001) and Eragon (2006). Armstrong has played the many roles in the adaptations of Charles Dickens novels including The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1982), Oliver Twist (1999), David Copperfield (1999), Bleak House (2005), Oliver Twist (2005), Little Dorrit (2008) and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012). sat in the back with her friend, and I fell in love with her voice first as she chatted away. Alun Armstrong is a member of Actor 25 facts about Les Mis", "Theatre: Einstein's Theory of Relationships", "Armstrong, Fleet et al. Duration: 10 hours approx. When I made the decision to leave I discussed it with her first and she was fine about it. On tour and at the Donmar Warehouse in 197980, he played Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing[49] and Azdak in The Caucasian Chalk Circle.[50]. He has been married to Susan J Bairstow since 1977. Armstrong described Thnardier as "a gruesome and comic character. He guest starred in the 2004 Waking the Dead episode "Fugue States" as a young man who reappears with amnesia after being abducted as a child. What Happened To Rick From American Restoration? [15] During the 1970s, he appeared in various TV series, including episodes of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, Porridge, Public Eye and The Sweeney. [63] The New York Times review of The Father said: "At its imploding center is the superb actor Alun Armstrong 'To eat or be eaten, that is the question,' says the captain. His son Joe Armstrong[43] played Northumberland's son Hotspur. A Bridge Too Far. [43] In 2013, he played Sergei in a Radio 4 adaptation of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,[44] and he appeared in the series The Corrupted by G. F. 20. The same case is with Alun Armstrong. There were rumors about the producers highhandedness and interference with the shows production. [16][17], He was cast in two mini-series dealing with coal miners in North East England. ", "Like Brian Lane, I genuinely enjoy cycling and I go to the gym and practise yoga. His departure would be the third of the original cast members after James Bolam and Amanda Redman quit, leaving Armstrong and Dennis Waterman. Allan later becomes allied with the sympathetic villain Guy of Gisborne but has a change of heart and rejoins his friends. There are lots of his photographs in various websites when young and at this age, as well as his family photographs. [36], In 2017 Armstrong appeared in Joe Wright's war drama Darkest Hour, his major studio debut. }; [22], In the DC Moore play The Empire, Armstrong starred as Gary, a Lance Corporal in Afghanistan guarding an injured prisoner who claims to be British. He had this obsessional enthusiasm for a never-ending string of new interests or hobbies and would then lose interest literally overnight. [2] He auditioned for RADA but was not accepted. Alun Armstrong's full name is Alan Armstrong and his nickname is Alun Armstrong. There were quite a few tears followed by a nice little party. "[71], Armstrong took the lead role at short notice in Shelagh Stephenson's play Mappa Mundi in 2002, replacing Ian Holm who withdrew due to illness. Dick Holland) James Laurenson (Chief Const. In productions at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and the Barbican Theatre in 198283, Armstrong played Trinculo in The Tempest[52] and Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew with Sinad Cusack as Kate. His son Joe Armstrong is also an actor. I just dont appreciate actors speaking out of turn, and they know that., Veteran TV writer Maurice Gran came out in support of Simpson, saying that the New Tricks actors had succumbed to a common mental illness, saying, They are deluded that they write the shows script., He noted, As any writer will tell you, there are good actors and bad ones. I don't think I'm very demanding. Oliver Award-winning actor, Armstrong is married to Sue Bairstow/Armstrong with whom he shares three sons. "FA Cup live" 12.35 - 14.50, 27 Nov 2010, Billy the Kid and the Green Baize Vampire, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, Les Misrables - The Dream Cast in Concert, Les Misrables: The Dream Cast in Concert, "Cast announced for The Mystery Of Edwin Drood on BBC Two", "TV preview; Policeman who ended up Ripper's 14th victim", "Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2000", "New Tricks stars criticise show's writers", "New Tricks star Alun Armstrong quits after angry writer's tweet", "BBC - Drama - People Index Alun Armstrong", "Cast confirmed for BBC Two's cycle of Shakespeare films", "Home-grown TV star Alun Armstrong is to make special visit in support of a small County Durham theatre", "Bon anniversaire! Master of the House (Les Misrables) - (Alun Armstrong) (1995)* * * [20] In 1977, he was the strict Deputy Headmaster in Willy Russell's Our Day Out, a television play about a group of poor schoolchildren on a daytrip. Alun Armstrong perfectly plays the role of Brian Lane, a meticulous detective and recovering alcoholic with obsessive-compulsive disorder.