Biography
Martin Herdman is a British actor of Welsh and English heritage whose career across film, television, and theatre spans more than three decades. Renowned for his versatility and commanding screen presence, he has appeared in numerous acclaimed productions, including Coronation Street, The Bill, Soldier Soldier, Waking the Dead, Holby City and Midsomer Murders, and many more. His film credits include Revolver, directed by Guy Ritchie, Loving Vincent, and The Last Planet, directed by Terrence Malick. His leading performance as Micky in the feature film Sink attracted critical acclaim, while his portrayal of Mike in the BAFTA-nominated short film Rite earned him Best Actor honours. Alongside his screen work, Herdman has enjoyed a distinguished stage career. His theatre credits include performances with Shakespeare's Globe, Nottingham Playhouse, Liverpool Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre and Birmingham Rep. Notable roles include Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lepidus in Antony and Cleopatra, Sing Song in Car Thieves and One Round in the national tour of The Ladykillers. Before establishing himself as an actor, Herdman achieved success at elite level sport. He won the London Heavyweight Boxing Championship and was selected for international competition before going on to play professional rugby, representing Wales against both England and Australia. In addition to acting, Herdman is an accomplished musician, having spent fifteen years performing as lead singer and rhythm guitarist with a touring blues band. His diverse professional background, combined with extensive experience across stage and screen, has contributed to a career defined by range, authenticity, and enduring versatility.
Herdman is a British actor of Welsh and English heritage, with an extensive career across film, television and theatre spanning more than three decades. Known for his commanding screen presence and versatility, he has appeared in productions including Coronation Street, The Bill, Soldier Soldier, Waking the Dead, Holby City and Midsomer Murders.
His film work includes roles in Revolver directed by Guy Ritchie, Loving Vincent, and The Last Planet directed by Terrence Malick. His leading performance as Micky in the feature film 'Sink' received strong critical recognition, while his portrayal of Mike in the BAFTA-nominated film 'Rite' earned him Best Actor honours.
Alongside his screen career, Herdman has built an accomplished stage résumé, performing with Shakespeare’s Globe and appearing in productions including As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Antony and Cleopatra.
Before acting professionally, Herdman competed at elite level sport, winning the London Heavyweight Boxing Championship and representing Wales in professional rugby against England and Australia. He is also an accomplished musician and former blues band frontman.
Martin's stage experience includes performing at Shakespeare's Globe in As You Like It, and in 'A mad world my masters' as Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream at Nottingham Playhouse, as Lepidus in Anthony and Cleopatra at Liverpool Playhouse & Chichester Festival Theatre, as Sing Song in Car Thieves at Birmingham Rep and as One Round in the Ladykillers number 1 National Tour.
Martin is the only Shakespearean actor to have represented his country in two professional sports having won the title of Heavyweight Boxing Champion of London in 1979 before being drafted into the Olympic squad to box for his country. Martin additionally played professional rugby representing Wales against England and Australia in the 80's.
Martin plays rhythm guitar and toured as the lead singer in a Blues Band for 15 years. He also survived on the circuit as a stand up comedian for 3 years!
