Tony Robinson

Biography

Tony Robinson’s ‘cunning plan’ has been to entertain by delving into Britain’s past, whether it is through documentary, in Time Team, or through comedy in Blackadder, in which Tony played Baldrick for four series and several specials.

Tony’s fascination with history also led him to make the documentary series Fact or Fiction, The Worst Jobs In History and The Real Da Vinci Code.

Initially taking to the stage at the age of twelve, in the original West End production of Oliver!, Tony went on to tread the boards at the National Theatre, the RSC and the Bristol Old Vic. His television career began in the early 1970s but took off when he joined the team of the satirical comedy, Who Dares Wins. Shortly afterwards, he was cast as Rowan Atkinson’s sidekick Baldrick in The Black Adder (at it was originally). The pair’s master and servant relationship became the cornerstone of what would become one of the nation’s most enduring comedy series.

Tony’s Time Team experience, fronting the show for 20 years, led to him becoming a popular history presenter with programmes including Walking Through History, Tony Robinson's Time Travels, and Britain's Ancient Tracks. He continued to act with roles stretching from Casualty to the Greg Davies’ sitcom Man Down.

As a writer for children, Tony has won two Royal Television Society awards, a BAFTA and the International Prix Jeunesse. His programmes include Maid Marion And Her Merry Men, Fat Tulip’s Garden and twenty six episodes of Blood and Honey, about the Old Testament. Tony has also written eighteen children’s books.

Tony has campaigned for The Labour Party and served on its National Executive Committee, was Vice President of Actors’ Equity and was active in the Make Poverty History Campaign.