AN AWARD-winning writer, artist and actor has returned to Chester after more than a decade of living and working in Manchester.

Wigan-born Brian Gorman first came to Chester in 1991 to study for a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature & Art.

He went on to work at the Chester Gateway Theatre for 12 years, working in the box office, writing for the stage, acting, and interviewing stars such as Denis Waterman, Patrick Mower, Andrew Lincoln, Timothy West, Liza Goddard, and Rodney Bewes.

He also produced and directed short films featuring Desmond Llewelyn and George Costigan.

Brian also produced many live events in Chester, interviewing a variety of stars on stage.

Guests included several Bond film actors and actresses, editors, and a selection of exclusive props and costumes used in the movies.

Brian acted in a variety of tv series, music videos, and films, including Captain America: The First Avenger, Hollyoaks, Cold Blood, and played one of the great train robbers in Mrs Biggs. 

Brian said: “Manchester was an exciting place to live and work, but it feels so good to be back here in Chester.

"Studying at Chester College in the 1990s, I met some truly inspirational teachers, and working at The Gateway Theatre brought me into contact with a huge variety of creative people.

"I had a wonderful 12 years there, and only decided to leave when things became very difficult for the staff.

"It was a real shame how things deteriorated, and a great many talented people were (sometimes, literally) forced to move on.

"Now, I’m back, and it’s great to see the wonderful Storyhouse doing so well, and I absolutely oved the recent open-air productions in Grosvenor Park.”

Brian has two new books due out later this year. ATMOSPHERE: Words & Art About The Post-Punk Manchester Music Scene, and MAN IN A SUITCASE: The Haunting (an original graphic novel based on the 1960s action adventure tv series).

He is also working on a number of new projects, including a stage play about John Thaw, and an account of his ‘exciting, terrifying, and exhilarating’ time at Chester Gateway Theatre!