Norman Bowler in conversation with Steve Poole

NORMAN BOWLER

in conversation with Steve Poole

Actor Norman Bowler is no stranger to Clifton having made it his home for many decades.

In a career spanning more than seven decades Norman made his first stage appearance in the 40s when he toured Ireland with a troupe of actors. In 1950`s London he found himself mixing with the ‘Soho Set’, including Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas. Freud took a room in Norman’s flat where he installed his various muses, but never paid his rent. 

In New York he played Mick in Harold Pinter’s, The Caretaker and moved to Bristol in the 1960s to play DCI Harry Hawkins in the BBC Television police drama series, Softly Softly. He went on to play the notorious Frank Tate in the ITV soap Emmerdale.

Away from his work as an actor Norman has supported the Auroville International Township in India, visiting over many years and directing amateur productions there.

Now in his 90s he will reflect on his long career and his home city in conversation with Steve Poole.