Michael Frayn

Date of Birth:
8th September 1933 in London

Show History:

• Donkeys Years

Current Role

Michael Frayn recently enjoyed the revival of his West End show, Donkeys' Years which played to huge acclaim. He currently has no further productions showing in London's West End.

Early Life

Frayn was born in the suburbs of London. He was educated at Kingston Grammar School and after two years of National Service studied read Moral Sciences at Cambridge University where he graduated in 1957.

Career Highlights

Fran has written hit plays including Make or Break and Donkeys Years. His other successes include Noise Off which was made into a film by Disney, Benefactors, Headlong and Copenhagen. Michael Frayn also wrote the screenplay for the film Clockwise which starred John Cleese.

Interesting Facts

• Fran learnt Russian during his National Service and translates Chekhov plays for the stage.
• Michael Frayn is alleged to have declined a CBE in 1989 and a Knighthood in 2003

Awards

• Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy (1976) for Donkey's Years
• Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy (1982) for Noises Off
• International Emmy Award (1990) for First and Last
• Tony Award for Best Play USA (2000) for Copenhagen