Roger Martin is a British actor and theatre director whose acting career has spanned four decades, during which time he has appeared in the theatre and films, while his television roles have included sitcoms and serious dramas. Martin is also the Artistic Director of Fresh Look Theatre and Chairman of the Eastside Educational Trust.
Early years
Martin was born in Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent. His father was a Physics teacher, and his mother a telephonist. His maternal grandfather was a specialist gentleman’s outfitter, the sign above his shop announcing him as a ‘Hatter and Hosier’. Martin's paternal grandfather worked in the pottery industry initially and ended his working life as a rent collector for the local council.
He attended Wolstanton County Grammar School, where his interest in drama was first awakened when he took leading roles in school plays for 8 consecutive years under the direction of his English Master, Gordon Renshaw, who instilled in Martin a love for drama. He also acted in Gilbert and Sullivan productions under his Music Master, John Fenna. During the late 1960s and early 1970s he was the bass guitarist and vocalist in a band called 'Gollum' which played in and around the Potteries.
Martin's interests include supporting Stoke City F.C. (he has a collection of match programmes dating back to 1904), watching sports, playing cricket, and playing piano and guitar for both personal enjoyment and occasionally professionally. He also holds an advanced driving test certificate.
He has been the Chairman of the Eastside Educational Trust, an award-winning children's arts education trust since 1999.[5]
In June 2019, Martin made an appearance on the BBC daytime soap opera Doctors. He portrayed the role of Bob Kennedy for one episode.
He has recently starred in Sunlife Over 50s Insurance adverts where his character displays a liking for Parsnip Jam and Binoculars.
