About Mark Billingham
Mark Philip David Billingham (born 2 July 1961) is an English actor, comedian, novelist and television screenwriter, best known for the "Tom Thorne" crime novel series. Born in Solihull, West Midlands, and raised in Birmingham, he graduated in drama from the University of Birmingham in 1983 and helped form the socialist theatre company Bread & Circuses. Around 1987 he turned to comedy, going on to headline at the Comedy Store, where he also appears as a Master of Ceremonies. He played Gary in the children's series Maid Marian and Her Merry Men. His first crime novel, Sleepyhead, was published in 2001 and introduced Inspector Tom Thorne; in 2009 his novel Death Message made him the first crime writer to win the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award twice. His work has been adapted for television, including Sky1's Thorne, and he has also hosted crime-related podcasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mark Billingham a comedian or a novelist?
Both. Mark Billingham is an English actor, comedian, novelist and television screenwriter, best known for his crime novels about Tom Thorne.
Where did Mark Billingham grow up?
Born in Solihull, West Midlands, on 2 July 1961, Mark Billingham was raised in Birmingham and graduated in drama from the University of Birmingham in 1983.
When did Mark Billingham start doing comedy?
Mark Billingham turned to comedy around 1987, after helping to form the socialist theatre company Bread & Circuses. He went on to headline at the Comedy Store, where he also appears as a Master of Ceremonies.
What children's show was Mark Billingham in?
Mark Billingham played Gary in the children's series Maid Marian and Her Merry Men.
What was Mark Billingham's first novel?
His first crime novel, Sleepyhead, was published in 2001 and introduced Inspector Tom Thorne.
What award has Mark Billingham won twice?
With Death Message in 2009, Mark Billingham became the first crime writer to win the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award twice.
Has Mark Billingham's work been adapted for TV?
Yes, his work has been adapted for television, including the Sky1 series Thorne, and he has also hosted podcasts about crime.
