Peter Polycarpou (1975 C) was born in Brighton, but moved with his family to south London, from where he joined Sutton Valence School’s Third Form in 1970. He excelled in every sporting activity he took part in, captaining 1st XI Cricket (full colours), gaining half colours in 1st XI Hockey and 1st XV Rugby and full colours in 1st V Basketball.  In Cornwallis boarding house, he became a House Prefect and was a stalwart of the Hunting Society, the Choir and The Suttonian committee. Though not a notable academic, he won the R L Kay Prize for German and the Derrick Prize for English Verse Speaking.  On the School stage, Peter performed with ‘comic timing’ as the Artful Dodger in Oliver! and ‘with great verve’ as George Silancourt in A Penny for a Song. Leaving School, he went to Middlesex University to study for a diploma in Dramatic Art.
 
Having completed his studies, Peter became a prolific stage, TV and film actor, who first came to fame playing Pauline Quirke’s hapless husband, Chris Theodopolopoudos, in the very successful TV series Birds of a Feather. His work in films includes Evita starring Madonna, Oklahoma! starring Hugh Jackman and De-Lovely starring Kevin Kline. Television work has included The Bill, Holby City, Casualty, EastEnders and Waking the Dead. Peter’s appearances on stage, in film and television and on radio, have extended over a 38-year career as a professional actor. He is a leading artist in musical theatre, having appeared in some of the most enduring West End musicals this country has ever seen.
 
Since 2006, Peter has taught in youth theatres and schools all over the UK, and has given masterclasses at The London School of Musical Theatre, Mountview Academy of Arts and in many musical theatre training colleges. He has directed youth theatre in two productions of the Les Misérables School Edition and Rent, and has his own youth theatre group, Through the Stage Door, which he established in 2009. He also currently serves as a director of The Royal Theatrical Fund, a charity which provides help and support for all who have worked or work in the theatrical profession.