He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1989 (1988 season) for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Blood Brothers.
Born in England to parents from Dundalk in Ireland. He started acting at the Everyman Youth Theater in Liverpool, meeting Willy Russell, hence the Blood Brothers connection.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1993 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for Blood Brothers.
Appearing in Telstar at the New Ambassadors Theatre, London. (July 2005)