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John Last
Actor/Writer/Voiceover with Professional Home Studio at John Last
Professional Background
John Last is an accomplished actor, voiceover artist, writer, and director with an extensive portfolio that showcases his talent in varied multimedia projects. With a professional home recording booth, John has carved out a successful career in the voiceover industry, lending his distinctive voice to renowned outlets such as Channel 4, BT Sport, Discovery Channel, and Tru TV. His remarkable journey has seen him not only work as a lead announcer for the high-profile rebranding of Virgin 1 but also become a valued member of the award-winning ITV2 Continuity team and a live announcer for Channel 5.
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated versatility and a strong work ethic. His corporate narration work spans a myriad of brands, from Sanctuary Spa to Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP). This variety speaks to his ability to adapt his voice to meet diverse project needs while maintaining high standards of performance.
Before the unforeseen pandemic brought a pause to many creative endeavors, John had recently wrapped up an engaging performance in a short film by Oscar-nominated director Tom Van Avermaet, where he starred opposite Noomi Rapace, known for her role in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. This collaboration is a testament to his standing in the industry and highlights the breadth of his acting skills.
John's creative pursuits have also led him to receive an Arts Council Grant for research and development of his first writing project focused on locked-in syndrome, showcasing his commitment to thoughtful storytelling. This project is particularly poignant and is positioned for development as restrictions ease.
His recent work includes an impressive stint at the National Theatre Studios, where he starred alongside notable actors Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who) and Nicholas Pinnock (Marcella) as well as participating in the Bush Theatre's impactful initiative, Black Lives Black Words, specifically 'The Interrogation of Sandra Bland'. Such engagements not only reflect his impressive range as a performer but also his dedication to socially relevant themes in his work.
In previous projects, John has garnered rave reviews for his performances, most notably in the award-winning production of 'Chicken Shop' at Park Theatre. His portrayal of Leko was met with critical acclaim, described by The Times as "oozing jocular menace" and praised by Time Out for the compelling dynamism of his scenes with co-star Lucy Roslyn.
Additionally, John demonstrated his prowess as a multidisciplinary artist by co-writing and directing an animation titled 'Johnny & George', which is available online, allowing audiences to appreciate his creative talents beyond acting.
Education and Achievements
John Last's educational background laid a solid foundation for his career in performance. He began his academic journey at St John Rigby Sixth Form in Orrell, Wigan, where he completed his A Levels. This initial step set the stage for his exploration of media and performance arts. John then pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Media Performance at The University of Salford, equipping him with the necessary skills to excel in the competitive field of acting and voiceover work.
Throughout his career, John has not only performed but also contributed creatively. He won multiple awards for his adaptation of Shakespeare’s 'King John', where he not only played the lead role but also showcased his talent in adapting classic literature into contemporary performances. This endeavor not only reflects his love for Shakespearean works but also his ability to attract recognition for innovative and high-quality productions.
Achievements
- Lead announcer for Virgin 1 rebranding
- Member of the award-winning ITV2 Continuity team
- Live announcer for Channel 5
- Received an Arts Council Grant for writing project on locked-in syndrome
- Collaborated with Oscar-nominated director Tom Van Avermaet
- Performed at National Theatre Studios alongside notable actors
- Received critical acclaim for the role of Leko in 'Chicken Shop'
- Co-writer and director of the animation 'Johnny & George'
- Winner of multiple awards for his adaptation of 'King John'
In addition to his artistic achievements, John's professionalism and amicable personality make him a preferred choice for many productions, leading to a track record of being consistently re-employed for his talent and his distinctive cheeky northern voice. His passion for storytelling and performance continues to drive him forward, as he embraces new opportunities and challenges in the dynamic world of acting and voiceover work.