Adam Gillen is a British actor born on September 11, 1985, in Manchester, England. Known for his versatility across television and theatre, Gillen has become one of the UK’s most recognizable performers through memorable roles in comedy and drama.
Early Life and Training
Gillen studied acting at Stockport College before graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in 2007. His formal training at one of Britain’s most prestigious drama schools laid the foundation for his successful career.
In 2000, Gillen was nominated for a TMA Award for Best Supporting Performance in a play for the Royal Exchange Theatre Company’s production of A Taste of Honey, demonstrating his talent even before completing his professional training.
Breakthrough Role: Liam Conroy in Benidorm
Adam Gillen actor is best known for his role as Liam Conroy in the ITV hit series Benidorm, appearing from 2011 to the show’s conclusion in 2018. His character, the son of the transvestite barman Les, became a fan favorite through Gillen’s comedic timing and energetic performance.
The role of Liam Conroy transformed Gillen into a household name across the UK. His portrayal of the quirky resort worker showcased his natural ability to blend physical comedy with genuine character development.
Meeting His Fiancée on Set
Laila Zaidi and Adam Gillen met in 2018 when Laila joined the cast of Benidorm playing Cyd, the girlfriend of Adam’s character Liam Conroy. In 2023, Gillen became engaged to fellow Benidorm star Laila Zaidi.
Television Career Beyond Benidorm
Adam Gillen’s television work extends far beyond his famous Benidorm role. Adam Gillen’s versatile acting spans comedy, drama, and even suspenseful roles, similar to performances in popular psychological thrillers.
Fresh Meat (Channel 4): Gillen played Brian in the Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat, the popular university-set sitcom that ran from 2011 to 2016.
Prisoners’ Wives (BBC): Gillen portrayed Gavin in BBC’s Prisoners’ Wives, demonstrating his range in dramatic material.
Other TV Work: Gillen’s other television work includes The Gemma Factor, Oliver Twist, Just William and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Recent Projects: His recent television appearance includes Boat Story, a BBC mini-series where he played Vinnie Douglas in 2023.
Adam Gillen Actor Theatre Career and Critical Acclaim
Amadeus at the National Theatre
In October 2016, Adam Gillen actor appeared as Mozart in the National Theatre production of Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus and reprised the role when the production returned from February to April 2018. This performance marked a significant milestone in his theatre career.
Gillen garnered fantastic reviews for his role as Mozart in Michael Longhurst’s production of Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus at the National Theatre. A filmed performance from the Olivier Theatre was later used in 2020 as part of the National Theatre at Home online series.
His portrayal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart showcased his ability to handle classical theatrical material with the same skill he brought to contemporary comedy. Not many television actors manage this transition so smoothly.
Olivier Award Nomination for Killer Joe
In 2019, Gillen was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Killer Joe. The production ran at Trafalgar Studios in 2018, co-starring Orlando Bloom in the title role.
This nomination represented the highest recognition of Gillen’s theatrical talents from the British theatre industry. His performance in Tracy Letts’ dark thriller demonstrated his versatility beyond comedy.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Previous work for Shakespeare’s Globe includes Romeo & Juliet (2021) where Gillen played Mercutio. In 2022, Gillen starred as the title role in William Shakespeare and John Fletcher’s Henry VIII, performed at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, London.
Extensive Theatre Credits
Gillen’s theatre credits include: The Caretaker (Chichester Festival); I, Joan, Henry VIII, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe); Radio (Arcola); Killer Joe (Trafalgar Studios); Amadeus, The Five Wives of Maurice Pinder (National Theatre); Wendy and Peter (RSC); Lee Harvey Oswald (Finborough); The School for Scandal (Barbican).
Recent Major Roles: Cabaret and Les Misérables
The Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
From September 23, 2024, Olivier nominee Adam Gillen actor reportedly played The Emcee alongside Golden Globe nominee Katherine Langford as Sally Bowles in the acclaimed West End revival of Cabaret.
Adam Gillen and Katherine Langford’s final performance was on Saturday, January 25, 2025. This immersive production at the Playhouse Theatre reimagined as the Kit Kat Club has been one of the West End’s most successful shows. Interestingly, this role marked a turning point in his stage career.
Thénardier in Les Misérables
Adam Gillen is currently reported to be starring as Thénardier in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre in London. He joined the long-running production in July 2025 as part of the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations, continuing his streak of high-profile West End roles.
Film Work and Writing Career
Film Appearances
Film credits include: Vita and Virginia; We Are the Freaks; Age of Heroes; 4,3,2,1; Hippie Hippie Shake. Gillen appeared in 4.3.2.1. (2010) and Age of Heroes (2011).
Writing and Directing
Adam Gillen is a screenwriter, playwright and Olivier nominated actor who enjoys creating relatable, complex relationship dramas, focusing on unique, underestimated or marginalised characters.
His short film Dog Shit Town was screened at the London Short Film Festival 2019 and his second, Affection, was produced with BFI funding and completed in 2020. Adam’s one person play, Girl Least Likely To, was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize 2017 and workshopped at the National Theatre Studio.
Adam Gillen’s Acting Style and Approach
Gillen’s performances are characterized by his natural comedic timing, physical expressiveness, and ability to find depth in seemingly simple characters. Whether playing the immature Mozart, the sinister Chris in Killer Joe, or the lovable Liam in Benidorm, he brings authenticity and energy to every role.
His training at RADA equipped him with classical technique, while his work in popular television has honed his instinct for comedy and timing. This combination makes him equally comfortable in Shakespeare and sitcoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adam Gillen Actor
How old is Adam Gillen?
Adam Gillen was born on September 11, 1985, making him 39 years old as of 2024.
Is Adam Gillen married?
Adam Gillen is engaged to actress Laila Zaidi, his former Benidorm co-star. They announced their engagement in September 2023 during a holiday in Croatia.
What is Adam Gillen doing now in 2024-2025?
Adam Gillen performed as The Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club from September 2024 to January 2025. He currently stars as Thénardier in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End, joining the production in July 2025.
What has Adam Gillen been in?
Adam Gillen’s major roles include Liam Conroy in Benidorm (2011-2018), Brian in Fresh Meat, Mozart in Amadeus at the National Theatre, and recent West End performances in Cabaret and Les Misérables.
Where to watch Adam Gillen shows?
Benidorm is available on streaming platforms including ITV Hub and Amazon Prime Video. The filmed National Theatre production of Amadeus was available on National Theatre at Home. His current theatre work can be seen live in London’s West End.
What awards has Adam Gillen won?
While Gillen has not yet won an Olivier Award, he received a nomination in 2019 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Killer Joe. He was also nominated for a TMA Award in 2000 for A Taste of Honey.
Comparison with Contemporary British Actors
In the landscape of British actors who successfully balance television comedy and serious theatre work, Adam Gillen stands alongside performers such as Russell Tovey, Ralf Little, Tom Rosenthal, and Mathew Horne. Like these actors, Gillen has proven that success in popular television does not preclude critical acclaim on stage.
His career trajectory resembles that of actors who have used sitcom success as a platform for more challenging theatrical roles, rather than being typecast in comedy alone.
Impact on British Theatre and Television
Adam Gillen represents a generation of British performers who move fluidly between mediums and genres. His success in Benidorm brought theatre-quality performance to mainstream television, while his theatrical work has been enhanced by the timing and presence developed through screen work.
His portrayal of Mozart brought a new generation of audiences to classical theatre through the National Theatre Live broadcasts, demonstrating how traditional theatre can reach wider audiences through modern technology.
What Makes Adam Gillen Stand Out
Several factors distinguish Adam Gillen in the crowded field of British actors:
Versatility: His ability to excel in broad comedy, dark drama, classical theatre, and contemporary work sets him apart from actors who specialize in one area.
Physical Performance: Whether as the manic Mozart or the comedic Liam, Gillen uses his entire body to create memorable characters.
Theatrical Commitment: Despite television success, he has consistently returned to theatre, taking on challenging roles at prestigious venues.
Writing Talent: His work as a writer and filmmaker adds another dimension to his creative profile.
Future Projects and Career Outlook
With his current role in Les Misérables securing his place in West End theatre and his proven television appeal, Adam Gillen’s career continues on an upward trajectory. His combination of popular appeal and critical respect positions him for continued success in both mediums.
As he approaches his 40s, Gillen is at an ideal stage for leading roles in major productions, having built the experience and recognition necessary for the most prestigious projects in British entertainment.
Conclusion
Adam Gillen actor journey from RADA graduate to Olivier-nominated actor showcases the rewards of versatility and dedication in British entertainment. His ability to make audiences laugh in Benidorm while earning critical acclaim for Killer Joe demonstrates rare range.
From his breakthrough as Liam Conroy to his recent triumph as The Emcee in Cabaret, and now as Thénardier in Les Misérables, Gillen continues to surprise and delight audiences. His engagement to Laila Zaidi adds a romantic chapter to his personal story, while his writing work suggests future creative directions beyond acting.
For fans seeking quality British acting that spans comedy and drama, television and theatre, Adam Gillen represents excellence across all these categories. His ongoing work in London’s West End ensures that audiences can continue to experience his talent in person, while his television legacy remains available for new viewers to discover.
Whether you first encountered him through Benidorm’s sunny comedy or through his intense theatrical performances, Adam Gillen has established himself as one of Britain’s most compelling and versatile performers.
Disclaimer: This biography is based on publicly available information and media reports.
