Jonathan Watson

For the Scottish Episcopal bishop, see Jonathan Watson (bishop).

Jonathan Watson
Born (1957-11-23) 23 November 1957 (age 67)[1]
Glasgow, Scotland
Alma materRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland
Occupation(s)Actor, writer
Years active1979–present
Known forCity Lights (1984–1991)
Naked Video (1986–1991)
Only an Excuse? (1993–2020)
Bob Servant (2013–2015)
Two Doors Down (2013–present)
Fried (2014–2015)

Jonathan Watson is a Scottish actor best known for his comedy sketch show Only an Excuse?, which parodied people and events from the world of Scottish football, as well as roles in the BBC comedies Bob Servant Independent in which he appears with Brian Cox, and as Colin in the acclaimed Two Doors Down (2013–present). In the 1980s he was also a regular cast member of the Scottish sitcom City Lights and the sketch show Naked Video.

Background

Watson was born in Glasgow and was educated at Hillhead Primary and Hillhead High School.[2] He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and graduated in 1979.[2] He joined the TAG Theatre Company then followed this with a season with the 7:84 company.[3] He had a part in Bill Forsyth's 1983 film Local Hero.[3]

He moved to London in 1986 and returned to Scotland two years later.[2]

He appeared in all five seasons of Naked Video that were broadcast on BBC Scotland between 1986 and 1991,[4] He was also in City Lights,[4] Rab C. Nesbitt[5] and Only an Excuse?.[6]

In 2013, Watson appeared in Rob Drummond's Quiz Show at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh.[7] In 2014 he played Archie in John Byrne's adaptation of Chekhov's The Three Sisters for The Tron, Glasgow.[8] He was also in The National Theatre of Scotland's production of Yer Granny, which toured Scotland & Northern Ireland.[9][10]

He appeared in the horror film Let Us Prey which was released in 2015.[11]

Early television appearances included minor parts in The Bill and Casualty.[2] In Bob Servant which sees him playing opposite Brian Cox, as Bob's trusty sidekick - Frank.[9] He was acted as Clice Bagshawe in Fried.

Following the success of a one-hour pilot, a six-part comedy series Two Doors Down was made which screened on BBC2 beginning in March 2016.[12]

Watson is a supporter of Rangers F.C.[13]

From December 2019 to January 2020, Watson played King Hector in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the King's Theatre, Glasgow[14]

In 2021 he appeared in Doctor Who - Flux as Sontarans 'Commander Riskaw' and 'Skaak'.

Comedy impressions

Watson's Wind Up was a political satire show that was aired on BBC Radio Scotland.[15][16] The show was recorded on Fridays at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

Bob Servant Independent

Watson's appeared as Frank (Francis) the campaign manager of local cheeseburger magnate in the cult BBC Four[17] Neil Forsyth comedy Bob Servant Independent.[18] This show was first broadcast in the UK in January/February 2013; with a move planned to BBC2 later in the year.[19]

Theatre

Year Title Role Company Director | Notes
2014 Three Sisters Archie Tron Theatre, Glasgow Andy Arnold adaptation by John Byrne

References

  1. ^ "Interview: Jonathan Watson on the last ever Only an Excuse?". The Scotsman. 26 December 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d "Would the real Jonathan Watson please stand up?". The Scotsman. 10 December 2005. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  3. ^ a b Currie, Julie (26 May 2015). "Yer Granny star is enjoying old pals' act". The Falkirk Herald. Archived from the original on 14 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  4. ^ a b Naismith, Albert (23 September 1989). "Seriously, it's funny". The Herald. Glasgow. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  5. ^ Alex, Michael. "Two Doors Down comedy actors Doon Mackichan and Jonathan Watson on their love - for Courier Country!". The Courier. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  6. ^ Deanie, Marc. "Only An Excuse? this Hogmanay will be the show's final instalment after 27 years on TV". The Courier. Archived from the original on 15 November 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  7. ^ Cooper, Neil (4 April 2013). "QUIZ SHOW, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh". The Herald. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  8. ^ Fisher, Mark (9 October 2014). "Three Sisters review – beautifully controlled Chekhov in Scotland". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  9. ^ a b Miller, Phil (4 December 2014). "Cast announced for new National Theatre comedy". The Herald. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  10. ^ Fisher, Mark (2 June 2015). "Yer Granny review – Gregor Fisher as another lovable Scottish grotesque". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  11. ^ Brady, Tara (12 June 2015). "Let Us Prey review: Just when you imagine the people onscreen couldn't be more evil, they are". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  12. ^ Spowart, Nan (28 March 2016). "Hit comedy Two Doors Down is back after winning fans on both sides of the Border". The National. Archived from the original on 30 September 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  13. ^ Fulton, Rick (2 September 2009). "Exclusive: Only An Excuse star Jonathan Watson on taking the football comedy show on the road". Daily Record (Scotland). Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  14. ^ "BWW Review: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, King's Theatre, Glasgow". Archived from the original on 8 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  15. ^ "Interview: Face to face with Jonathan Watson and his many wind-ups". The Scotsman. 3 October 2009. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  16. ^ Beacom, Brian (19 December 2012). "Watson thought Beeb call was wind-up". Evening Times. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  17. ^ "BBC 4 Bob Servant website". Archived from the original on 21 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  18. ^ "Bob Servant - Official Site". Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  19. ^ "BBC Bob Servant Independent Episodes". Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.