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Forbes Masson

Forbes (Robertson) Masson (born 17 August 1963 in Falkirk) is a Scottish actor and writer. He is an Associate Artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is best known for his roles in classical theatre, musicals, comedies, and appearances in London's West End. He is also known for his comedy partnership with Alan Cumming.[1] Masson and Cumming wrote The High Life, a Scottish situation comedy in which they play the lead characters, Steve McCracken and Sebastian Flight. Characters McCracken and Flight were heavily based on Victor and Barry, famous Scottish comedy alter-egos of Masson and Cumming.[2] Masson also stars in the 2021 film The Road Dance, set on the Isle of Lewis as the Reverend MacIver.

Personal life

[edit]

Masson completed a three-year drama course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has a BA in Dramatic Studies.[2] Masson met Cumming during this time, and the pair performed some cabaret work together in order to earn Equity cards.[2] He lives in North London with his wife, Melanie Masson, who was a finalist on The X Factor in 2012. They have two children.

Television

[edit]

Masson's first television appearances were in the late 1980s, including an episode of Taggart. He played Stan Laurel in the episode "Meltdown" of the sitcom Red Dwarf,[2] Eck in the 1992 comedy series My Dead Dad, Rodney Morris in EastEnders (2000), Tam Flood in Hamish Macbeth (1996) as well as various roles in Is It Bill Bailey? (1998), working alongside Simon Pegg. He also played rock-band manager Art Stilton in Channel 4's cult comedy The Young Person's Guide To Becoming a Rock Star (1998),[1] Cronie McKay in No Holds Bard (2009),[3] Governor Grantham in Dead Boss by Sharon Horgan and Holly Walsh (series 1, episode 5,[4] 2012), Patrick in Catastrophe (series 2) by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney Channel 4 2015, and as Reverend Willard in BBC One's Father Brown (series 7).[5] In 2023, he appeared in season 6 of The Crown.[6]

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Company Director Notes
1987 Babes in the Wood Victor Tron Theatre, Glasgow Michael Boyd comedy by Forbes Masson and Alan Cumming[7][8]
1988 Victor and Barry say Goodbye Victor Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh comedy by Forbes Masson and Alan Cumming[9]
1989 Clocked Out Doug Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Ben Twist play by John McKenzie[10]
1990 Elizabeth Gordon Quinn Aidan Winged Horse Hamish Glen play by Chris Hannan[11]
1990 Laurel & Hardy Stan Laurel The Actors' Theatre of Scotland play by Tom McGrath[12]
2024 Jekyll & Hyde Gabriel John Utterson Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Gary McNair's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novella for solo performance
2025 The Seagull Dr. Dorn Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh James Brining Mike Poulton's adaptation of the play by Anton Chekhov

Other theatre includes:

The Breathing House (Gilbert) by Peter Arnott; Art (Yvan) by Yasmina Reza, directed by Kenny Ireland; Stiff! (George Mathieson), directed by Caroline Hall; Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick), his first professional Shakespearean role; at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (1997).[13]

Endgame by Samuel Beckett (Clov), The Trick is to Keep Breathing by Janice Galloway(Dr Green), Dumbstruck by David Kane (Herman Katz), The Real Wurld by Michel Tremblay (Claude), all directed by Michael Boyd Cinzano by Lyudmila Petrushevskaya (Pasha) (directed by Roman Kozak): Tron Theatre Glasgow.

Laurel and Hardy (Stan Laurel): Assembly Edinburgh/Wellington Festival NZ.

The Life of Stuff (Fraser) by Simon Donald: Donmar Warehouse, London.

Loose Ends (Callum), Wormwood (Artemis): Traverse Theatre Edinburgh.

He also appeared as Fool to Pete Postlethwaite's King Lear, directed by Rupert Goold at The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool Autumn 2008 and the Young Vic in early 2009 with Headlong Theatre.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Mr. Tumnus) at Threesixty Theatre in Kensington Gardens, directed by Rupert Goold and Michael Fentiman, music by Adam Cork.

In Macbeth at Trafalgar Theatre, Whitehall, London, Forbes played Banquo to James McAvoy's Macbeth directed by Jamie Lloyd.

In 2014 he played Hastings in Richard III also at Trafalgar Transformed, directed by Jamie Lloyd, with Martin Freeman in the title role.

He worked with James McAvoy again, playing a total of seven different characters, in the revival of Peter Barnes's The Ruling Class directed by Jamie Lloyd for Trafalgar Transformed in early 2015.

In September 2015, he starred alongside Simon Russell Beale, playing John Hunter in Ian Kelly's "Mr Foote's Other Leg", at the Hampstead Theatre. It had a limited West End run at Theatre Royal Haymarket until early 2016.

He played Lucifer to Kit Harington's Faustus and Jenna Russell's Mephistopheles in Jamie Lloyd's production of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus at the Duke of York's Theatre, London

In the summer of 2016, he played Peter Quince with Phill Jupitus as Bottom in Laurence Boswell's production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at Theatre Royal, Bath.

In Autumn 2016, he portrayed Lenin in Tom Stoppard's Travesties with Tom Hollander at the Menier Chocolate Factory and at the Apollo Theatre when the play transferred to the West End in early 2017. It was directed by Patrick Marber.

He played King Cunobeline alongside Gina McKee in Tristan Bernays' Boudica at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, directed by Eleanor Rhode in Autumn 2017

He appeared with Kelsey Grammer, as Circus Owner, Amos Calloway and various other comic characters in Nigel Harman's production of Andrew Lippa and John August's musical Big Fish at The Other Palace, in Dec 2017

In early 2018 he played both Dr John Buchanan Snr. and Rev Winemillar in Rebecca Frecknall's critically acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke at the Almeida Theatre, Islington

In the summer of 2018 he played flower shop owner, Mr Mushnik, alongside Marc Antolin, Jemima Rooper, Matt Willis and Vicky Vox in Maria Aberg's five star revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's musical Little Shop of Horrors at The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

In the autumn of 2018 Summer and Smoke will have a West End transfer to The Duke of York's Theatre, London.

Writing

[edit]

Masson has written and composed a series of critically acclaimed Scottish musicals; Stiff!, Mince and Pants.[1] He directed the semi-autobiographical Mince with The Dundee Rep Theatre Ensemble, and it was nominated for best musical in The Barclays TMA Awards in 2001.

At the Tron Theatre, Glasgow from 2001 to 2005 his alternative Christmas Pantomimes including Aladdie and Weans in the Wood were hugely successful. It was at the Tron Theatre where he first worked with Michael Boyd. Masson wrote segments for Michael Boyd's Pilate Project at The Other Place, and devised the promenade piece " At home with Feste" for RSC

His one act comedy musical Crackers premiered at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in December 2011, directed by Michael Fentiman.[14]

He has also worked with Gordon Dougall's Sounds of Progress music theatre company (renamed Limelight in 2010), promoting disability inclusion in the Arts. Dougall was the musical director for the Forbes Masson shows Crackers, Stiff! and Mince.[15]

RSC

[edit]

Masson is an Artistic Associate with the RSC and was in the Royal Shakespeare Company acting ensemble from 2003 to 2011. His roles included Horatio to Toby Stephens' Hamlet in 2004,[16] and Feste in Twelfth Night in 2005. Both productions were directed by then RSC Artistic Director Michael Boyd. He also played Porter in Dominic Cooke's Macbeth and Dromio of Ephesus in Nancy Meckler's Comedy of Errors. He played Judas in Pilate Project. He performed in Boyd's critically acclaimed Histories cycle in Stratford-Upon-Avon and at The Roundhouse, Camden, in 2006–2008. His roles in the cycle included Bagot in Richard II,[17] Rumour in Henry IV, Part Two, Chorus in Henry V and King Edward IV in Henry VI and Richard III. In 2009 he played Samson in Boyd's production of The Grain Store. He played Romeo opposite Kathryn Hunter's Juliet in Ben Power's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet called Tender Thing. He played Merlin in Greg Doran's production of Mike Poulton's Morte d'Arthur. He played Gena in Ahasverus as directed by Michael Fentiman, at the Hampstead Theatre. He later appeared as Jacques in Boyd's As You Like It, and Friar Lawrence in Rupert Goold's production of Romeo and Juliet. Both plays came to the Roundhouse in Camden in late 2010. They played Park Avenue Armory in New York in summer 2011. In early 2014 he toured England and performed in Ohio State University as Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew directed by Michael Fentiman. In the summer of 2015 he played Bottom in the RSC/Garsington Opera Company co production of A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Owen Horsley. For winter 2019 he played Mr Hawtrey in the new musical The Boy in the Dress, based on the book by David Walliams, and will return for winter 2021 to play the Police Chief in the new musical The Magician's Elephant based on the book by Kate DiCamillo.

Partnership with Alan Cumming

[edit]

He co-wrote and performed with Alan Cumming in the situation comedy, The High Life.[1] Masson and Cumming had met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1982 where they formed a cult Kelvinside musical double act "Victor and Barry", which they performed on the alternative comedy circuit.[1][permanent dead link] They were nominated for a Perrier Award in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1988, played the Donmar Warehouse and toured Australia in 1989, playing the Sydney Opera House. The characters were killed off onstage at the London Palladium in the early 1990s.

In spring 2026, a stage musical adaptation of The High Life (co-written by Masson, Cumming and Johnny McKnight) will tour Scotland featuring the original cast reprising their roles from the TV series.

Recording

[edit]
  • The soundtrack to the RSC's 2005 production of Twelfth Night with Sianed Jones[18]
  • Forbes Masson recorded a selection of songs he sang in the RSC, on album John Woolf and Friends.[19]
  • Forbes Masson recorded a selection of poetry by Robert Burns.[20]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Forbes Masson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Forbes Masson (born 17 August 1963) is a Scottish and renowned for his versatile performances across , , and , as well as his long-standing association with prestigious institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), where he serves as an Associate Artist. Born in , Masson began his career in the , initially training in drama and gravitating toward classical and comedic roles that highlight his Scottish heritage and improvisational skills. Masson's theatre career spans decades of acclaimed work, including Shakespearean productions with the RSC such as (as Friar Laurence, 2010), , and . He earned a 2025 BAFTA Award for Best Children's Scripted for his role as Duke Frederick in a CBeebies adaptation of at . He has also performed extensively with the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), where he is likewise an Associate Artist, and at venues like the Royal Lyceum Theatre in in plays including and pantomimes such as . His West End credits encompass musicals like at the Troubadour Theatre and revivals such as at the Almeida and Duke of York's Theatres, alongside comedic turns in Little Shop of Horrors at . On television, Masson gained prominence through his comedic partnership with Alan Cumming, co-creating and starring in the BBC sitcom The High Life (1994–1995) as Steve McCracken, a role that showcased his satirical take on Scottish bureaucracy. He has appeared in notable series including EastEnders (as maths teacher Rod Morris in 2000), The Crown (as Duncan Muir), Red Dwarf (as Stan Laurel in 1991), Father Brown, Monarch of the Glen, and Catastrophe (as Patrick in 2015). In audio drama, he has contributed to BBC Radio adaptations of Macbeth and The Tempest, as well as Big Finish's Doctor Who audio series. Masson's writing credits include co-authoring The High Life with Cumming and developing the enduring Scottish comedy duo Victor and Barry, which has appeared in stage shows, the 2024 book Victor and Barry's Kelvinside Compendium, and the 2025 musical adaptation of The High Life, as well as various productions since the 1990s. His film roles, though fewer, include appearances in The Road Dance and Gypsy Woman. Throughout his career, Masson has balanced high-profile ensemble work with a commitment to Scottish cultural narratives, often drawing on his roots in to advocate for local arts initiatives, such as proposing a inspired by Cumming's model in .

Early life and education

Early years

Forbes (Robertson) Masson was born on 17 August 1963 in , . From an early age, Masson was expected to follow a stable career path, reflecting the practical aspirations typical of his working-class upbringing in central . However, he developed a strong personal interest in during his childhood, often expressing a desire to perform despite facing significant discouragement from both family members and teachers who favored a more conventional occupation. This early divergence marked a pivotal shift for Masson, as he ultimately chose to reject a traditional career in favor of pursuing performance arts, leading him to enroll at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and in .

Education

Before enrolling in , Masson studied at . Masson enrolled at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in in 1982, pursuing a three-year drama course at the institution, now known as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The program provided rigorous training in classical and performance techniques, including verse speaking, character development, and , with a curriculum that often emphasized pronunciation over regional accents. During his studies, Masson performed key Shakespearean roles, such as in Hamlet, which honed his skills in vocal projection, textual interpretation, and . A pivotal aspect of his education involved collaborative cabaret work; Masson partnered with fellow student to create the musical comedy Victor and Barry for an end-of-term show, fostering and skills while securing their Equity cards for professional entry. Despite encouragement from instructors to adopt non-Scottish accents to align with prevailing industry norms, Masson and Cumming retained their authentic voices, reflecting an early commitment to Scottish performance traditions amid the program's broader classical focus.

Personal life

Family

Forbes Masson has been married to singer Masson since 2005. , a native, gained public recognition as a finalist on the 2012 season of , where her performances highlighted her vocal talents in genres ranging from to pop. The couple's union forms the foundation of their family, providing mutual support amid their respective careers in entertainment. Masson and his wife are parents to two children, Rua and Ramsay. Raised in a creative household immersed in theatre and music, the children have occasionally participated in activities, such as appearing in family-related projects, while maintaining a low public profile. Family dynamics emphasize closeness and adaptability, with the children accompanying their parents to events and performances when feasible, fostering a sense of normalcy despite the demands of artistic professions. The Massons' family life intersects with their careers through shared logistical challenges, particularly in balancing touring schedules with parental responsibilities. For instance, during Melanie's international tours, the children have joined her , allowing Forbes to manage home duties while pursuing his own theatre commitments, such as West End productions. This collaborative approach underscores their private support system, enabling both to sustain high-profile work without frequent separations, all centered in their home for stability.

Residence

Forbes Masson relocated from to in the 1990s, shifting his base to the English capital as his career in and gained momentum. He established a long-term residence in , a location that positions him near key cultural hubs including West End theatres and other professional venues essential to his work. During his extended association with the Royal Shakespeare Company from 2003 to 2011, Masson temporarily moved to , where he immersed himself in major productions such as the Histories Cycle in 2006. This relocation reflected his career progression in classical theatre but was limited in duration, after which he and his family returned to to support ongoing professional commitments and domestic stability. The choice of as a primary home aligns with the practical needs of family life alongside the demands of a London-centric , providing an urban environment conducive to both.

Screen career

Television

Masson's television career began in the late with a as the in the episode "Cold Blood" of the Scottish crime drama . This early role marked his entry into episodic television, showcasing his ability to portray authoritative yet understated figures in procedural storytelling. Throughout the 1990s, he expanded into comedic territory, notably playing in the "Meltdown" episode of the sci-fi sitcom in 1991, where he contributed to the show's satirical take on historical figures in a waxdroid theme park setting. His performance highlighted his knack for and impersonation within the series' of celebrity cameos. In 1994 and 1995, Masson co-created and starred in the BBC Scotland sitcom The High Life alongside Alan Cumming, portraying the hapless cabin crew member Steve McCracken on the fictional airline Air Scotia. The series, which ran for one season of six episodes plus a pilot, blended absurd humor with Scottish cultural references, earning a cult following for its sharp writing and the duo's on-screen chemistry. Masson's McCracken served as a foil to Cumming's flamboyant Sebastian Flight, emphasizing themes of workplace dysfunction and regional identity in a low-budget aviation comedy. Transitioning to more dramatic roles in the 2000s, Masson appeared as the maths Rodney Morris in the soap opera during 2000, a involved in a controversial storyline about inappropriate relationships. His portrayal added tension to the Di Marco family arc, demonstrating his range in handling sensitive, character-driven narratives within a long-running serial format. He also guest-starred in Monarch of the Glen in 2001 as Campbell McCrory. Later in his career, Masson took on guest roles in period mysteries, including Reverend Willard in the 2019 episode "The Demise of the Debutante" from series 7 of Father Brown. As the lecherous American at a , his performance underscored the show's blend of cozy crime and moral intrigue. In 2015, he appeared as Patrick in series 2 of Channel 4's Catastrophe. In 2023, he appeared in season 6 of Netflix's as Duncan Muir, a Scottish tasked with capturing family portraits of Prince Charles and his sons shortly before Diana's death. This supporting role contributed to the series' exploration of royal media dynamics and personal vulnerabilities in episode 2. More recently, Masson featured in the 2024 CBeebies adaptation of Shakespeare's , filmed at the , playing Duke Frederick in a production starring presenters. The show, which incorporated songs, dances, and simplified language to engage young audiences, won the 2025 BAFTA Television Award for Best Children's Scripted. His villainous duke provided a contrasting edge to the whimsical retelling, affirming his versatility across genres and age groups.

Film

Forbes Masson's film career has been marked by selective appearances in independent dramas, often leveraging his Scottish heritage to portray authoritative figures in period settings. His work in cinema remains sporadic, serving to complement his more extensive portfolio with roles that emphasize narrative depth over volume. A standout role came in the 2021 Scottish drama The Road Dance, directed by Richie Adams, where Masson portrayed Minister MacIver, a stern religious leader in a remote Hebridean community on the eve of . Adapted from John MacKay's 2002 , the film explores themes of isolation, tragedy, and social constraints through the story of a young woman's assault during a village dance honoring departing soldiers. Masson's character embodies the repressive moral authority of the era, contributing to the film's atmospheric tension amid the harsh island landscape. Production took place on location in the Isle of Lewis, , , capturing authentic Gaelic-speaking environments and rugged coastal scenery to underscore the cultural heritage of the narrative. Earlier, Masson appeared in the British thriller Gypsy Woman, directed by Sheree Folkson, playing the role of in a story of romance and intrigue following a builder's . This supporting part highlighted his ability to convey quiet professionalism in a plot blending mystery and emotional vulnerability, filmed primarily in but evoking rural British tensions. Such occasional engagements reflect a deliberate pacing in his screen work, allowing focus on while filling key supporting niches in cinema.

Theatre career

Writing

Forbes Masson has written and composed a series of Scottish musicals that blend humor, music, and . His first major work in this , Stiff!, premiered at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in in 1999, where he also starred as the protagonist George Mathieson, a disillusioned monumental mason who strikes a Faustian bargain with a devilish figure named Neville, leading to a chaotic mix of success, excess, and downfall. The show incorporates elements of Scottish variety traditions alongside irreverent songs, offering a darkly comedic of pre-millennial Scottish life. Following Stiff!, Masson created Mince? for the in 2001, a semi-autobiographical musical centered on a writer named Donald Johnston who confronts his past regrets through a fantastical aided by a cyber-therapist, featuring ensemble songs that explore personal redemption. The production received a nomination for Best Musical at the 2001 Barclays Awards, highlighting its innovative score and narrative structure. In 2002, he followed with Pants at the same venue, tracing the rise and fall of aspiring rock star Rikki Rintoul from , infused with satirical takes on fame, jealousy, and musical fads through boisterous numbers like a punk anthem urging listeners to "Get to !" and a Eurovision about . Between 2001 and 2005, Masson authored a series of alternative pantomimes for the Tron Theatre in , subverting traditional fairy tales with local flavor and adult-oriented wit, including (2002) and (2003). Aladdie (2004) reimagines the Aladdin story in Glasgow's East End, where the titular "laddie" discovers a magic lamp disguised as a and pursues a soap star "princess" on a fictional Tartania TV, blending panto tropes with contemporary Scottish urban life. Weans in the Wood (2005), a twist on , follows children navigating peril in a woodsy adventure, allowing Masson to inject songs about everyday family dynamics and audience wriggliness into the classic narrative. These productions became cult favorites for their joyful irreverence and sold-out runs, establishing Masson's reputation for festive, subversive entertainment. In 2011, Masson wrote and composed the solo one-act musical Crackers, which premiered at the in as an adult-oriented "psycho panto." The story unfolds on in a mini-mart called Myrrh’s Bazaar, where shop assistant Leonard receives a golden ticket from the eccentric Barbara Cadabara, sparking a surreal tale of escape, romance, and a dark bargain amid holiday commercialism. Masson's writing consistently draws on Scottish humor through vulgar, boisterous wit and cultural identity via settings in locales like and , often critiquing ambition, tradition, and personal strife with a mix of lighthearted songs and darker undertones. His works have been praised for their infectious energy and innovative fusion of with regional , earning nominations and repeat productions that underscore their enduring appeal in Scottish stages.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Forbes Masson was appointed an Associate Artist with the (RSC) in 2003 under Michael Boyd, as part of a long-term ensemble committed to collaborative work across multiple seasons until 2011; he continues as an Associate Artist. During this period, Masson took on several prominent Shakespearean roles that showcased his versatility in classical theatre. In 2004, he portrayed Horatio in Michael Boyd's production of , opposite as the title character, delivering a portrayal noted for its humanity and resilience amid the tragedy's chaos. The following year, in 2005, he played in Boyd's , a role that highlighted his musical and melancholic talents, with Masson contributing original songs that enhanced the production's emotional depth. From 2006 to 2011, he appeared in various Shakespearean parts, including Dromio of in Nancy Meckler's (2005, extending into the ensemble cycle), in (2010), and roles in the RSC's ambitious History Cycle—a marathon of eight plays spanning 2006–2008 that featured 34 actors across 264 roles—allowing him to explore the breadth of Shakespeare's historical dramas. Masson's engagement with the RSC marked a pivotal late discovery of Shakespeare in his forties, having previously focused on contemporary and comedic work; he has reflected that this immersion regrettably came after earlier opportunities in the canon had passed, yet it profoundly shaped his approach to verse and character. The company's rigorous ensemble training, influenced by figures like Cis Berry and John Barton, expanded his range from fools and confidants to authority figures, fostering a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare's linguistic and thematic complexities that informed his subsequent career. This RSC tenure not only solidified his reputation in classical theatre but also overlapped briefly with writing contributions to select productions, blending his dual talents in performance and scriptcraft.

Partnership with Alan Cumming

Forbes Masson and first formed their comedy duo as Victor and Barry during their time at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in the early 1980s, creating the characters for a college that quickly evolved into a celebrated on the Scottish comedy circuit. The pair's performances, characterized by sharp wit and affectionate portrayals of middle-class Glaswegian life, gained a devoted following and established them as legends in the local scene, with stage shows like Victor & Barry: In The Scud in 1991 showcasing their improvisational style and cultural satire. Building on this foundation, Masson and Cumming co-created The High Life, extending the Victor and Barry dynamic into adaptations and live extensions that amplified the characters' absurd humor beyond its initial incarnation as a 1990s . Their collaboration emphasized interpersonal chemistry and creative synergy, with the duo frequently improvising material during live performances to capture the nuances of Scottish identity and class tensions. Over more than three decades, the partnership has endured as a cornerstone of Scottish , achieving cult status through nostalgic revivals and media reunions, including a 2023 book project Victor & Barry's Kelvinside Compendium that revisited their archival sketches and prompted widespread acclaim for its enduring appeal. In May 2025, coverage highlighted their latest reunion announcement, underscoring the duo's lasting influence and the anticipation surrounding their return to . This evolution culminates in the upcoming stage musical The High Life – The Musical, Still Living It!, set to tour from March to May 2026, where Masson and Cumming reprise their roles alongside original members and . Co-written by Masson and Cumming with Johnny McKnight for story, script, and lyrics— and featuring music composed by Masson with additional contributions from Cumming—the production transforms the cult series into a full musical spectacle, directed by Andrew Phipps and produced by the National of Scotland. The tour will visit venues including Dundee Rep , His Majesty's in , Festival in , and King's in , promising a blend of original humor with new songs that celebrate their long-standing creative bond.

Recording

Soundtracks

Forbes Masson provided key vocal contributions to the soundtrack of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2005 production of , directed by Michael Boyd, where he portrayed the character . His performances captured the musical essence of Feste's role, including traditional songs from Shakespeare's text set to original arrangements. These recordings, featuring Masson's singing, were later incorporated into the official RSC album Twelfth Night: Music and Speeches, released in 2017. Composed primarily by John Woolf with vocal support from Sianed Jones on select tracks, the soundtrack highlights Masson's renditions of Feste's songs, such as "O Mistress Mine," "Come Away, Death," and "The Wind and the Rain." During his tenure with the RSC, this project preserved the production's auditory elements for archival and wider distribution. The extended Masson's stage performance into recorded audio media, emphasizing the fool's witty and melancholic musical interludes that punctuated the play's themes of and disguise. By focusing on these isolated tracks, the release allowed listeners to appreciate the vocal nuances and emotional depth Masson brought to outside the live theatrical context.

Other recordings

In addition to his theatrical soundtracks, Forbes Masson has lent his voice to several standalone audio projects that highlight his Scottish heritage and versatility as a narrator and performer. One notable contribution is his narration of a selection of 's poetry on the 2011 Audiobooks release The Great Poets: , where he delivers works ranging from the tender "" to the satirical "Holy Willie's Prayer," capturing the essence of Scotland's national poet with a nuanced Scottish accent and dramatic flair. Masson also features prominently on the 2011 album Music for the Royal Shakespeare Company by John Woolf & Friends, a compilation of and songs from various RSC productions, where he performs vocal selections drawn from his roles, showcasing his talents in a recorded format independent of live performances. Beyond literary and musical albums, Masson has contributed to broadcast audio projects, including voicing letters in the 2007 Book of the Week adaptation of : A Life in Letters, co-narrated with John Dougall to explore the author's personal correspondence. He further appeared in comedy dramas such as the 2003 series Three Men Went to Mow (series 2), a rural featuring an including Masson, and the historical Babblewick Hall (1998–2000), where he played supporting roles in full-cast productions emphasizing his in audio . Additionally, he narrated segments in the 2012 audiobook by , a collection of stories blending Scottish and global voices, performed alongside other to evoke themes of displacement and identity. In 2024, Masson recorded vocals for the new Victor and Barry song "Back in the Day" with , released to promote their 40th anniversary book Kelvinside Compendium. These works demonstrate Masson's range in non-visual media up to 2025, drawing on his theatre-honed skills for intimate, voice-driven narratives.

References

  1. https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/forbes_masson/
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  3. https://lyceum.org.uk/profile/forbes-masson
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557494/
  5. https://www.rsc.org.uk/blogs/pathways-to-shakespeare/forbes-masson
  6. https://www.westendtheatre.com/313749/star-watch/forbes-masson/
  7. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25520988.forbes-masson-plan-copy-friend-allan-cumming/
  8. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Forbes-Masson/
  9. https://reddwarf.co.uk/features/interviews/forbes-masson/
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/nov/20/alan-cumming-forbes-masson-victor-and-barry-comedy-duo
  11. https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2024/08/the-scottish-pride-of-cumming-and-masson/
  12. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/melanie-masson-wows-x-factor-1293596
  13. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/33470487/x-factor-melanie-masson-ageing-backwards-walks-red-carpet/
  14. https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/interview-melanie-masson-on-the-x-factor-1564426
  15. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/3131798/forbes-masson-melanie-masson-x-factor-children-showbiz/
  16. https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com/mums-tips/mumpreneurs-mums-at-work/my-mum-is-a-rock-star/
  17. https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/arts-culture/interviews/back-to-school-with-the-boy-in-the-dress-forbes-masson/
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  35. https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/whos-who/associate-artists
  36. https://www.rsc.org.uk/hamlet/past-productions/michael-boyd-2004-production/video-gallery
  37. https://www.theguardian.com/Guardian/stage/2004/jul/14/theatre3
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/apr/29/theatre
  39. https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-comedy-of-errors/dates-and-sources
  40. https://www.rsc.org.uk/press/releases/first-casting-announced-for-the-royal-shakespeare-company%25E2%2580%2599s-production-of-the-boy-in-the-dress
  41. http://www.alancumming.com/1984/2015/5/19/victor-barry-1984
  42. https://www.theatrescotland.com/alan-cumming-and-forbes-masson-on-victor-and-barry/
  43. https://list.co.uk/news/forbes-masson-on-victor-barry-moving-the-dial-they-were-the-antithesis-of-what-glasgow-had-been-thought-of-for-all-those-years-45134
  44. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmker2dgwyo
  45. https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2023/05/02/53053/alan_cumming_and_forbes_masson_return_to_victor_and_barry
  46. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgw7lqrp8go
  47. https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/the-high-life
  48. https://playbill.com/article/the-high-life-musical-to-tour-scotland-in-2026-starring-alan-cumming
  49. https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/the-high-life/
  50. https://dundeerep.co.uk/events/the-high-life-the-musical-still-living-it
  51. https://musicaltheatrereview.com/musical-the-high-life-to-touch-down-in-scotland-in-2026/
  52. https://pleasemindtheblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/23/twelfth-night-rsc-2017-music-speeches/
  53. https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/twelfth-night-rsc_23911/
  54. https://music.apple.com/gb/album/twelfth-night-music-and-speeches/1315132797
  55. https://open.spotify.com/album/5frzFxihXWRJFrq0QgipJu
  56. https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/see-for-free/my-rsc-gallery
  57. https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=NA196812
  58. https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Great-Poets-Robert-Burns-Audiobook/B005XD4LXQ
  59. https://www.ebay.com/itm/236317769010
  60. https://soundcloud.com/shakespearebt/sets/music-for-the-rsc-john-woolf
  61. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007zsvy
  62. https://www.audible.com/series/Three-Men-Went-to-Mow-Audiobooks/B0DKPZJRCF
  63. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/babblewick-hall-scott-cherry/1139830474
  64. https://www.audible.com/pd/Wish-I-Was-Here-Audiobook/B007TUQEKE
  65. http://www.alancumming.com/2024/category/recordings
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