A former Stratford-upon-Avon College student can be seen in a leading role in the latest series of Netflix’s The Crown.
College alumnus Tobias Menzies stars as Prince Philip in series 3 of the acclaimed historical drama, having taken over the role from Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, who played the part in the show’s first two seasons.
Tobias studied Drama at the College and, after graduating in 1994, went on to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
He plays Philip in his 40s and early 50s, with this latest season covering events from 1964 to 1977, and depicts him as a man questioning his role in life.
Early reviews rave about Tobias’s performance. Writing for The Times, Carol Midgley praises Menzies as superb – “in voice, mannerisms and plausibility, chuntering about being served venison twice in a week and rolling his eyes at the melodramas of Princess Margaret” – while ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar called him simply “the best thing in this series”.
This is by no means Tobias’s first leading role in a popular series. He has previously played Brutus in HBO’s Rome, the dual roles of Frank and Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall in STARZ’s Outlander, which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination, and is perhaps best known for playing Edmure Tully in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
But, given the high profile The Crown enjoys worldwide, this latest role is certain to take his career to new heights and catapult him to even greater fame.
Series 3 of The Crown is currently available to view on Netflix.
