• Interviewee

  Michael Jayston

• Portrayed

  The Valeyard in Doctor Who, 1986

Michael Jayston was born ‘Michael James’ in West Bridgford, a suburb of Nottingham to Vincent and Myfanwy (Llewelyn) James. He made his professional debut in 1961 performing in various productions at the Bangor Little Theatre in Northern Ireland and went on to become one of Britain’s most accomplished actors.

During an incredibly distinguished career, a few of his many credits include, on film, Henry Ireton in Cromwell (1970), Tsar Nicholas in Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and Macbeth in Macbeth (1988). On television Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre (1973), Quiller (1975), Peter Guillam in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1980) and Neville Badger in A Bit of a Do (1989). On stage Exeter in Henry V (1965), Laertes in Hamlet (1966), Oswald in Ghosts (1968), Henry II in Becket (1972), Martin Dysart in Equus (1974), Charles Appleby in Eden End (1974) and Elyot Chase in Private Lives (1980).

But to Doctor Who fans he’s best known for portraying The Valeyard in the Doctor Who season The Trial of a Time Lord (1986).

Michael has recorded many voiceovers, audio books, radio dramas and plays during his career … most notably he has reprised his role as The Valeyard in several Big Finish audio dramas.

So very much to talk about!

Image Copyright Big Finish.