David Bower

David Bower (born 1969) is a Welsh actor, best known for his role as David in the hit romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. Born in Wrexham, North Wales, he is deaf and took his degree in the Theatre of the Deaf. After university he joined what became the Signdance Collective working as sign dancer and choreographer.[1] The collective was re-established in 2001 with Bower as Artistic Director and Isolte Avila as Dance Director. In 2012 the collective is devising a new production "Desire", featuring the songs of the band Dead Days Beyond Help, which will premier at the Warehouse Theatre, Croydon from 13–19 April 2012.[2]

David Bower
Born1969
Years active1994–2011, 2019–present

In addition to film and television, Bower has also performed in radio plays for the BBC.

Early life

Bower's deafness started with complications at birth which could have been fatal, but was not diagnosed until he was five years old. From that age he wore body hearing aids, bulky transistor radio-style devices. He later attended the Mary Hare Grammar School near his home in Berkshire. Although supported by a very caring family, Bower found himself bullied by both hearing children and other deaf children. In 1986, after attending a loud rock music gig he developed tinnitus which affected the nature of his residual hearing. His deafness progressed and years later he became profoundly deaf.[2]

Credits

Film and television

YearTitleFormatRoleNotes
1994Four Weddings and a FuneralFilmDavid
1994Shatter DeadFilmDead People
1996Hetty Wainthropp InvestigatesTelevision seriesMalcolm StoneEpisode: Eye Witness
1998CasualtyTelevision seriesKevin HealyEpisode: It's Good to Talk
2011Little VoicesFilmQuint

Radio

YearTitleRoleNotes
2008The Hunchback of Notre DameQuasimodoA collaboration between BBC Radio 4 and the Graeae Theatre Company.
2010A Small Piece of SilenceJoeAfternoon Play for BBC Radio 4.
2010DragonflyCalAfternoon Play for BBC Radio 4.
2013Bad ElvisAidanAfternoon Play for BBC Radio 4.

Opera

YearTitleRoleNotes
2019Pierrot Lunaire by Arnold SchoenbergPierrotA collaboration between SignDance International and formidAbility, performed at Grimeborn.

References

  1. , 13 Questions: actor David Bower.
  2. Coming Home, interview with David Bower in Connect Magazine, Spring 2012, published by NDCS.


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