Duncan Meadows

Duncan Meadows is a British actor and former street performer, noted for his performances as The Executioner in the Royal Opera House production of Salome. He will play the character of 'Elton' in the upcoming 2010 feature film The Perfect Burger, directed by Todd Carty. He also will be appearing in the 2009 short film Statuesque by Hollywood writer and director Neil Gaiman.

Discovery on the street

As a means to financially support himself, the actor often performed as a street performer in London's busy Covent Garden, painting himself silver in a self designed 'Centurion' character. While performing as this in 2007, he was spotted by David McVicar, the future director of Salome at the nearby Royal Opera House. McVicar thought he would be a natural fit for a part, as the role of 'The Executioner' often involved being still, yet able to engage an audience. Meadows was offered the part and accepted, and is likely to reprise the role in a 2010 run.

Transition into acting

Although Meadows had previously performed in many commercial campaigns and minor walk on television roles, he had yet to work as a regular actor. This changed in 2009, when former Grange Hill and Eastenders star Todd Carty was looking to cast 'Elton', in his 2010 directorial debut feature film, The Perfect Burger.

He has since been sought out by Hollywood sci-fi writer and director Neil Gaiman, famous for his work on Stardust and Beowulf. He chose him to play a key role in his upcoming short film, Statuesque, commissioned by British broadcaster Sky Movies.

External links

• Busker to appear at Royal Opera House in Salome on Times Online