Robin Kermode


Robin William Kermode, is an English actor, author and communications coach. He is best known for his role in Never the Twain, Ffizz, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Iron Lady, Wilde, the Norman Conquests, She Stoops to Conquer and Blithe Spirit.

Early life and education

Kermode was born in Nelson, Lancashire, he attended Abingdon School in Abingdon-on-Thames from 1969 until 1976. He was a keen actor at School, starring in Badger's Green, The Winslow Boy, Journey's End and as Lawrence of Arabia in Ross. He was also on the editorial board of The Abingdonian and was Head of School in 1976. He is the brother of tennis player Chris Kermode and grandson of Sir Derwent Kermode, a former British Ambassador to Indonesia and the Czech Republic.
He studied drama at the Central School of Speech and Drama 1976–1979.

Career

Kermode started his career at theatre and received an early positive review in the Stage in 1979 when he played Mr Medley in The Man of Mode. In 1992, at the Oxford Playhouse he played an important role in Mark Dornford May's A Pig in a Poke. He played Algy twice in the Importance of Being Earnest. In parallel with his stage career, Kermode has a long career in television. After some small roles, his career took off in the comedy series, Never the Twain, playing the son of one of the warring antique dealers, played by Donald Sinden, who falls in love with the daughter of the other, played by Windsor Davies. He gradually moved into a number of roles as police officers and began to work more in film. While working in television he appeared in leading soaps, including Emmerdale, Casualty and EastEnders.
His performance as John Major in The Iron Lady, building on his earlier portrayal of the politician Simon Hughes in the TV Movie, Wall of Silence, worked well in the film. He also appeared in Shiner, Julie and the Cadillacs and Wilde.

Other career

In the early 2000s, while continuing to act on stage and screen, Kermode began building a second career as a communications coach and public speaker. He has developed a reputation for applying the principles of acting and theatrical preparation. His company, Zone2, provides media training, consultancy and coaching for a range of corporate and private clients across Europe. He is also a well-known commentator at sporting events and voice over actor.
In late 2019, Robin started his Podcast The Art of Communication, a fun podcast series covering all aspects of communication in day-to-day life, with some practical hints and tips.
Looking to cater to those people that cannot immediately access his coaching, Robin has developed his online Essential Public Speaking Masterclass, a three-hour online programme comprised nine 20-minute classes, which aims to help people become a better public speaker and presenter.

Filmography

Television