the highlight for me was the reciting of Tam O'Shanter by Jonathan Watson. What a display of a true actor's skill! He had no need of props or gimmicks, his voice and simple gestures brought the narrative to life in a way that I had never experienced before. It was a treat!
Howard Haslett, Chairman of Spina Bifida Burns Supper Committee.
Jonathan Watson is a comedian, actor, script writer and of course mimic and regarded as one of Scotland’s best. Regularly appearing on national radio and television programmes, Jonathan has become legendary. His portrayal of the nations favourite soccer stars and pundits included Kenny Dalgleish, Frank McAvennie and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Jonathan Watson trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. On leaving College he joined the Glasgow Citizens’ T.A.G. Theatre Company and went on to work with the Traverse, Borderline, 7:84, Royal Lyceum and the Scottish Theatre Co. He returned to the Citizens’ on many occasions.
TELEVISION:
While featuring in many television dramas earlier on in his career, it was his involvement with BBC Scotland’s Comedy Unit that saw him appear in NAKED VIDEO, CITY LIGHTS, RAB C. NESBITT, and ONLY AN EXCUSE? – which takes a satirical look at Scottish football, and is transmitted just before the bells on New Year’s Eve.
Theatre work has included Rob Drummond’s critically acclaimed QUIZ SHOW at The Traverse, Edinburgh. John Byrne’s adaptation of Chekhov’s THE THREE SISTERS for The Tron, Glasgow, and The National Theatre of Scotland’s hugely successful production of YER GRANNY – which toured Scotland & Northern Ireland, playing to sell out crowds.
Film work includes – LOCAL HERO, GIRL IN THE PICTURE, THE MATCH, SOLID GEOMETRY, FILTH, and the award winning horror film LET US PREY – which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Television work includes THE BILL, CASUALTY, NEW TOWN, GARROW’S LAW, NEW TRICKS, RUBENESQUE, MOUNTAIN MEN, WATERLOO ROAD, TWO DOORS DOWN, SCOTLAND IN A DAY, FRIED, UPSTART CROW, and BOB SERVANT – which saw him playing opposite Brian Cox, as Bob’s down-trodden but trusty sidekick – Frank. He appeared on THIS TIME…WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE, and Most recently he featured in DOCTOR WHO – THE FLUX, as Sontaran Commander Skaak.
Jonathan regularly appears in TWO DOORS DOWN, playing the part of Colin. This has been so successful, a further series was commissioned for the BBC2 network. This was Jonathan Watson comedian, back doing what he does best.
Jonathan is not only a very funny guy but also a total professional. He’s great to work with, at all types of events and is always happy to take a brief. He is a superb after dinner speaker and also enjoys taking a main role in Burns Suppers, all over the world.