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Stephen Frost
Stephen Frost
from Wikipedia

Presenting the "Stephen Frost All Stars" improvisation show, Glastonbury Festival, 2008

Key Information

Stephen Frederick Eustace Frost (born 28 December 1955) is an English actor and comedian. He is best known for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? as well as several projects with comedy partner Mark Arden.

Early life

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Frost was born on 28 December 1955 in Redruth, Cornwall, and is the son of the abstract artist Terry Frost and brother of painter Anthony Frost.

He joined Banbury School (now Wykham Park Academy) in north Oxfordshire, part of Stanbridge Hall, in September 1967. The school had become comprehensive that term, but only in name; the buildings largely remained. The school transitioned over years. He played rugby for his county at age 16, and badminton locally, and athletics, in the AAA five star scheme.[1] His brother Simon was also athletic. He took part in many school drama productions, in the sixth form, with his brothers Simon and Matthew.[2] In the sixth form he grew a beard, and worked with the National Youth Theatre. He won a playwright award from the Royal Court Theatre. The head of the school drama group was Brian Derbyshire; the teacher left the school at the same time as Stephen, in July 1974.[3]

He passed two O-levels, Geography and Physics. He passed one A level, Geography.[4] His headteacher was Harry Judge. He lived at 2 Old Parr Road from 1963 to 1974. In 1974 family moved to Newlyn in Cornwall. He attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Art Malik (and his wife Gina Rowe), Mark Arden and actors Jeremy Gittins and Robert McCulley.[5]

Career

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Work with Mark Arden

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Frost is known for his work in the 1980s with Mark Arden as part of the double act The Oblivion Boys on Saturday Live. Veterans of the alternative comedy scene, he and Arden appeared in The Young Ones, and later had their own TV series Lazarus and Dingwall on BBC2. They played the lead roles in the 1987 revival of Tom Stoppard's play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at the Piccadilly Theatre. They also played two robbers in 'Big Deal' series 2, in the episode 'Popping Across The Pond'.

In 1994 the Oblivion Boys starred opposite the comedy duo Raw Sex (Simon Brint and Rowland Rivron) in the partially-improvised comedy film There's No Business....

The duo appeared in a series of British TV advertisements ending with the catchphrase "I bet he drinks Carling Black Label". One spoofed the "launderette" commercial for Levi's in which Nick Kamen stripped to his underwear; in their pastiche, Arden and Frost played launderette customers who were stripped entirely, with just strategically placed books maintaining their modesty.[6]

Solo work

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Without Arden, Frost has appeared on BBC Radio 4's Just a Minute, and the improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway?. He has appeared on three episodes of Have I Got News for You (there was a 13-year gap between his second and third appearance) and on Never Mind the Buzzcocks. He also appeared as Dirk in Tony Bagley's series Married.

He played two small roles in Blackadder: a prison guard in the first-series episode "Witchsmeller Pursuivant", and the overly cheerful head of a firing squad in the episode "Corporal Punishment" of Blackadder Goes Forth. He also appeared in the comedy series Mr. Bean, starring Rowan Atkinson, in the episode entitled "Mr. Bean Rides Again" in one of the skits where Mr. Bean is on a train.

In 2003 he appeared in a production of 12 Angry Men alongside Bill Bailey.

Frost appeared alongside Tony Hawks and Angus Deayton in the 2012 feature film Playing the Moldovans at Tennis.

Currently

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Frost is a regular on the London comedy circuit. He is also a veteran of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Glastonbury Festival.

Frost still appears regularly with The Comedy Store Players in The Comedy Store, London.

Filmography

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Film

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Film
Year Title Role Notes
1987 The Love Child Tough Policeman
1994 There's No Business Reg Prince
1995 Savage Hearts Concierge
Feast of July Man in Restaurant
Spot's Magical Christmas Deer 1 Voice
Video short
United Kingdom version
Credited as Steve Frost
1998 Wind Policeman Short film
2000 The Suicidal Dog Philip the Test Your Strength Man Short film
2012 Playing the Moldovans at Tennis Steve
2014 The Squeakies Compere
2021 Phase Dad

Television

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Television
Year Title Role Notes
1981 Doctor Who Tharil Uncredited
Series 18: "Warriors' Gate: Part Four"
1982-1983 Carrott's Lib 8 episodes, 1 special
Writer – "Best of Carrott's Lib"
1982-1984 The Young Ones Various 7 episodes – 3 credited as Steve Frost
1983 Blackadder Soft, A Guard 2 episodes – 1 uncredited
Dramarama Rev. Bell Series 1, episode 2: "Rip It Up"
Reilly, Ace of Spies Styrne Episode 11: "The Last Journey"
Rebellious Jukebox The Oblivion Boys Episode #1.2
1983-1984 The Entertainers The Oblivion Boys 2 episodes
1984 The Comic Strip Presents... Bula Series 2, episode 7: "Slags"
1985 Big Deal Tony Series 2, episode 14: "Popping Across the Pond"
Dempsey and Makepeace Big Mall Series 2, episode 5: "Tequila Sunrise"
Happy Families Village Gendarme Episode 3: "Madeleine"
Girls on Top Disco Dancer Series 1, episode 3: "C.O.D."
1986 Kit Curran Pates Series 2, episode 4: "A Sick Society"
1986-1996 Saturday Live Himself / Oblivion Boys / Various 10 episodes
Writer – 1 episode
1988 Bust Mike Benson 2 episodes
1989 Blackadder Goes Forth Corporal Jones Series 4, episode 2: "Corporal Punishment"
Close to Home Frank DeAngelo 4 episodes
1991 Lazarus & Dingwall Steve Lazarus 6 episodes
Writer
Murder Most Horrid Sgt. Dawkins Series 1, episode 1: "The Case of the Missing"
1991-2005 Have I Got News for You Himself / Panelist 3 episodes
1992 Mr. Bean The Laughing Man Episode 6: "Mr. Bean Rides Again"
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Huge Man Series 2, episode 4: "Barcelona, May 1917"
Fool's Gold: The Story of the Brink's-Mat Robbery Bernie Clarke TV movie
1992-1998 Whose Line Is It Anyway? Himself / Performer 33 episodes
1993 The Almost Complete History of the 20th Century Narrator Voice
13 episodes
1993-1994 Brighton Belles Gilbert 2 episodes
1994 The All New Alexei Sayle Show Various Episode 6
What's Up Doc? Steve the Security Guard / Walter Flume 16 episodes
Credited as Steve Frost
Blue Heaven Big Larry Episode 1
Frank Stubbs Promotes Big Eddie Series 2, episode 5: "Mr. Chairman"
Harry Enfield & Chums Man Painting Episode #1.5
1994-1995 The Bill Duggan / Colin Glover 2 episodes
1995 Jack and Jeremy's Police 4 Various TV movie
1996 Jack and Jeremy's Real Lives Steve / Stephen / Farmer 3 episodes
Drop the Dead Donkey Tom Series 5, episode 7: "Charnley in Love"
The Famous Five Dirty Dick Series 2, episode 6: "Five on a Hike Together"
1997 Gobble Gun shop assistant TV movie
Pie in the Sky Trubb Series 5, episode 3: "Pork Pies"
1998 Vanity Fair Bute Crawley Miniseries
4 episodes
1999 Just a Minute Himself / Panelist 4 episodes
French and Saunders Special – "French and Saunders: The Phantom Millennium"
2001 Mr. Charity Cab Driver Episode 6: "The Big W"
2002 Spheriks Match Narrator Voice
Credited as Steve Frost
2002-2005 Never Mind the Buzzcocks Himself
2004 Working the Thames Himself / Presenter Documentary
2011 Paul Merton's Adventures Himself Episode 4: "Caravan"
2013 Poirot Chief Inspector Series 13, episode 4: "The Labours of Hercules"
2015 Boomers German John Episode: "Christmas Special"
2018 Holby City Peter Mosley Series 20, episode 49: "Love Is"
2023 Ted Lasso Bruce Series 3, episode 2: "(I don't want to go to) Chelsea"

Books

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  • Sit-Down Comedy (contributor to anthology, ed Malcolm Hardee & John Fleming) Ebury Press/Random House, 2003. ISBN 0-09-188924-3; ISBN 978-0-09-188924-1

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stephen Frost (born 28 December 1955) is an English and renowned for his improvisational and ensemble performances in British television during the and . Best known as a regular performer on the improvisational series Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1988–1999), Frost gained prominence through his quick-witted contributions to sketches and games alongside comedians such as , , and . His early breakthrough came with appearances in the sitcom The Young Ones (1982–1984), where he played multiple supporting roles, including a bank manager and a policeman, contributing to the show's anarchic style. Frost's career began in the scene of the early 1980s, where he formed the The Oblivion Boys with , performing sharp, surreal sketches on programs like Saturday Live and earning nominations for the ' Best Comedy Show in 1987 and 1988. The duo's work extended to advertisements, such as the beer campaigns, and live tours, blending physical comedy with verbal interplay that influenced subsequent British humor. Beyond improvisation, Frost appeared in historical dramas like the ITV miniseries Vanity Fair (1998), where he portrayed Bute Crawley, and in Rowan Atkinson's series as a . He also featured in episodes of (1983, 1989), playing characters such as Corporal Jones and a prison guard, showcasing his versatility in period comedy. In later years, Frost continued to work in television and stage, including a guest role as stadium security guard Bruce in season 3 of the Apple TV+ series (2023). He reunited with Arden for the show Oblivion Boys with Gayle Tuesday in 2025, marking over four decades since their initial partnership and highlighting his enduring presence in live comedy. Throughout his career, Frost has maintained a reputation for collaborative, character-driven performances, often in supporting roles that amplify ensemble dynamics across improv, sitcoms, and panel shows like Have I Got News for You (1991, 1992, 2005).

Early life and education

Family background

Stephen Frost was born on 28 December 1955 in , , . He is the son of the renowned abstract artist Sir Terence Frost (later knighted) and the brother of painter Anthony Frost, with the family comprising six children in total raised initially in . In 1963, when Frost was seven years old, the family relocated from St Ives to in , where his father took up teaching at the Coventry School of Art and Design. Frost's early exposure to stemmed from his father's prominent career, with the household fostering creativity through hands-on encouragement; as Frost later recalled, his father would give the children a pot of paint, a piece of paper, and a brush.

Training and early influences

Frost began his formal training in the at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in , where he honed his skills in acting and . During his time there, he developed a strong foundation in theatrical techniques, which would later inform his comedic style. Prior to drama school, Frost participated in school drama productions, where he first discovered his passion for during lessons. These early experiences sparked his interest in spontaneous performance, encouraging him to experiment with unscripted scenes and character work among peers. At , Frost met his future collaborator , with whom he began early experimentation with comedy sketches. Together, they improvised banter and short routines, laying the groundwork for their shared approach to humor that emphasized quick wit and absurdity, even as struggling actors post-graduation. This period marked a pivotal shift from traditional theatre toward comedic improvisation, influenced by the vibrant scene emerging in at the time.

Comedy career

Partnership with Mark Arden

Stephen Frost and first met in the mid-1970s and formed the comedy duo The Oblivion Boys in the early 1980s, transitioning from acting aspirations to collaborative amid limited opportunities in serious theater. The pair debuted at in , where their energetic routines quickly gained traction in the burgeoning alternative comedy scene. Their breakthrough came with a prominent appearance on the Channel 4 program Saturday Live on March 1, 1986, hosted by Hale and Pace, featuring sketches like "Pot Snooker" that showcased their chaotic humor and propelled them to national recognition. This exposure built on their live circuit momentum, leading to further television spots and cementing their status as a staple of 1980s British comedy. The duo earned nominations for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards' Best Comedy Show in 1987 and 1988. Their work extended to advertisements, such as the Carling Black Label beer campaigns, and live tours. In 1991, Frost and Arden starred in the series Lazarus & , a six-episode police spoof spanning February to March, where they portrayed bumbling detectives Steve Lazarus (Frost) and companion (Arden) in surreal sketches driven by eccentric characters and corny gags. The show highlighted their knack for absurd, character-led narratives, though it lasted only one season. The Oblivion Boys' signature style fused with musical elements—often featuring Frost on guitar—alongside whimsical, nonsensical storytelling that emphasized mishaps and improbable scenarios. A standout routine, "Working the Thames," exemplified this approach through its blend of visual gags and rhythmic absurdity, evoking the duo's playful take on everyday British life.

Improvisational ensembles

Stephen Frost became a key participant in the improvisational comedy scene through his association with , joining the group in the late 1980s for regular performances at in . The ensemble's shows feature a mix of spontaneous games, improvised songs, and direct audience participation, creating dynamic, unscripted narratives that have sustained the troupe's popularity for decades. Frost's energetic style and have been central to these weekly Sunday night sessions, which continue to draw crowds as of 2025. Frost further established his reputation in improvisational television with his appearances on the British series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, contributing to 33 episodes between 1992 and 1998. In these broadcasts, he engaged in ensemble challenges like "Scenes from a Hat," where performers drew prompts for quick scene creations, and musical improv segments that required on-the-spot song composition based on audience suggestions. His collaborations highlighted the collaborative spontaneity of the format, often alongside international guests. Beyond studio and club settings, Frost has performed with improvisational ensembles at prominent events such as the and , emphasizing unscripted group interactions in live environments. At the Fringe, he has taken part in shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? Live, blending high-energy games with festival audiences. Similarly, at , his work with groups like the Stephen Frost Improv Allstars involves reactive, ensemble-driven sketches amid the festival's eclectic atmosphere. Throughout these endeavors, Frost has formed notable partnerships with fellow improvisers, including and , in both live outings and recorded sessions. With , a core member, he has co-created scenes in troupe performances and Whose Line episodes, leveraging their shared timing for humorous, character-driven . , another Whose Line regular and occasional guest, joined Frost in musical and narrative games that underscored the ensembles' emphasis on collective creativity.

Solo and variety performances

Frost appeared as a guest panelist on the satirical quiz show Have I Got News for You in three episodes in 1991, 1992, and 2005, showcasing his quick-witted humor in a solo capacity. His first appearance was in series 2, episode 6, aired on November 8, 1991, alongside journalist Michael White. He returned in series 3, episode 8, on June 12, 1992, paired with writer Stephanie Calman. His third appearance was in series 29, episode 5, on May 13, 2005. These outings highlighted his improvisational skills, briefly referencing his improv background to adapt to the show's unpredictable format. Beyond television, Frost hosted and performed in variety nights at , a key venue in the city's comedy scene. In 2005, he took part in the celebratory show 25 Years of the Comedy Store, delivering standalone routines amid the evening's mix of acts. His performances there often featured surreal elements, drawing on the club's tradition of experimental comedy. Frost made guest spots on radio and the live comedy circuit, where he delivered surreal monologues that blended absurdity with sharp observation. On 4's The Reunion in 2018, he appeared as a guest discussing The Young Ones, sharing anecdotal insights in a conversational style. Live appearances included guitar-accompanied bits, adding a musical twist to his comedic delivery during circuit gigs in and beyond. In addition to regular performances, Frost participated in charity events, contributing his solo talents to tributes and fundraisers. He performed at the all-star tribute to comedian on June 3, 2024, at the in London's West End, helping raise funds for the homeless charity through improv-infused segments.

Acting career

Television appearances

Frost's early television acting breakthrough came with a recurring role in the anarchic comedy series The Young Ones (1982–1984), where he appeared in seven episodes portraying a variety of chaotic supporting characters, including a bank manager, a , a policeman, and a gravedigger. His improvisational skills from his early comedy career often aided in delivering spontaneous, unscripted moments that fit the show's disruptive style. He made notable guest appearances in the franchise, first as Soft, a guard, in the 1983 episode "Witchsmeller Pursuivant" from . Frost later returned for the 1989 series , playing Corporal Jones in the episode "Corporal Punishment," contributing to the trench humor with his deadpan delivery. In 1992, Frost featured in the episode "Mr. Bean Rides Again," portraying the laughing passenger who irritates Bean on a train journey, adding physical comedy tension to the silent series. In the 1998 television miniseries adaptation of Vanity Fair, directed by Tim Fywell, as Bute Crawley, a minor comedic character in the satirical period drama based on William Makepeace Thackeray's novel. His portrayal added light relief through the character's pompous and bumbling demeanor amid the story's social intrigue. Marking a return to American television, Frost appeared as Bruce, a stadium security guard, in the 2023 third-season episode "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" of Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso, providing a brief but memorable background presence in the sports comedy.

Film roles

Frost's film roles primarily consist of supporting comedic performances in British productions, often leveraging his improvisational background to infuse characters with eccentric humor. In the 1994 short film There's No Business..., a partially improvised comedy directed by Kevin Molony, Frost played Reg Prince, a vaudeville-style performer struggling to revive a fading music hall double act alongside his partner Johnny Blackpool (Mark Arden). The role showcased his physical comedy and timing in scenes depicting the chaotic backstage world of traditional British . In the 2012 mockumentary Playing the Moldovans at Tennis, directed by , Frost took a prominent role as , the protagonist's friend and a football enthusiast who proposes the outlandish bet to challenge and defeat the entire Moldovan national at . This performance drove the film's absurd, fish-out-of-water scenarios, blending travelogue elements with satirical humor on sports and national stereotypes, and highlighted Frost's ability to anchor comedic escalation.

Later career and personal life

Recent projects

Since 2020, Stephen Frost has continued to lead the Impro All Stars, an improvisational comedy troupe known for its audience-driven performances in a style reminiscent of Whose Line Is It Anyway?. The group toured extensively, including appearances at the in August 2024, where they performed hour-long shows based on audience suggestions at the Frankenstein Pub. They also took the stage at in June 2024, delivering an energetic set at The venue. A highlight was their October 2024 performance at the Galway Comedy Festival, where Frost, alongside regulars and Ian Coppinger, created spontaneous sketches during the event's bank holiday weekend programming. These tours underscore Frost's ongoing commitment to live improv, building on his legacy from earlier ensembles. In 2025, Frost reunited with for the show Oblivion Boys with Gayle Tuesday, reviving their 1980s with guest performer as her character Gayle Tuesday. The short run at venues hosted by Gilded Balloon blended nostalgic sketches with fresh improvisational twists. This revival highlighted Frost's ability to revisit classic material while incorporating contemporary collaborators. Frost appeared as a guest on the All About the Music in November 2025, where he discussed the intersections of and music, sharing influences like , , and Status Quo in a 48-minute episode hosted by Neil Brand. The conversation explored how musical elements enhance comedic timing, reflecting Frost's multifaceted career. Throughout 2024, Frost participated in comedy special tapings, including a July performance with at , capturing live improv for potential broadcast or release. He also contributed to charity efforts, notably the 2023 Not So Smart fundraiser at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he joined fellow comedians to raise funds for the homeless charity Crisis in memory of his late collaborator .

Personal interests and legacy

Frost has maintained a strong interest in throughout his life, stemming from his training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he developed skills in performance that extended beyond . He has occasionally incorporated musical elements into his improv work, including singing roles in productions such as the sci-fi convention musical Fanatical, where he described the experience as stepping outside his comfort zone to embrace vocal performances. Additionally, Frost performs live renditions of songs like Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" annually on in New York, highlighting his enthusiasm for in informal settings. Public information regarding Frost's family life remains limited, reflecting his preference for privacy beyond his professional sphere. He has been married to Janet Prince since 1978, but details about children or extended family are not widely documented. As a veteran of British improvisation since the 1980s, Frost is recognized for his pioneering contributions to the genre, including his foundational role in groups like and the touring show One Word Improv alongside . His appearances on the original Whose Line Is It Anyway? helped popularize unscripted comedy on television, influencing the format's adaptation in the United States, where performers like and —frequent collaborators from the series—became staples of the revival. Frost's legacy endures through ongoing tributes to his improvisational style, as seen in the Comedy Store Players' 40th anniversary celebrations in 2025, where he joined as a guest to honor the troupe's of sustaining live improv circuits in . The group continues weekly performances at into the 2020s, with Frost contributing to its longevity as a hub for improvisational comedy.

References

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