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Tim Driesen (born 22 June 1978) is an actor, notable for roles in both musicals, plays and television serials. He has composed a full scale musical as well as a number of pop-songs. In 2007, he created the role of Adrian Banks (a character based on Mark Owen) in the Take That musical, Never Forget.^[1] Take That member Gary Barlow, who wrote the show's musical numbers, said of Driesen and the cast: "I'm just worried that they're better than us".^[2] When the musical opened, Driesen appeared with fellow cast members Dean Chisnall, Craig Els, Stephane Anelli, Eaton James and Nancy Sullivan on ITV's GMTV performing the show's title song, "Never Forget".^[3] He also appeared in the UK tour of Starlight Express. In 1991, Driesen appeared in the television series, The Bubbles.

He is also noted for his voice-over work in televised commercials.

Driesen most recently appeared in a York Pantomime staging of Jack and the Beanstalk, playing the title role. The Stage said "Tim Driesen’s rather slow witted hero Jack is a pleasing creation."^[4]

Background

Though originally from Belgium, Driesen is based in London in the UK. He trained at Laine Theatre Arts college in Epsom. Driesen was a member of a professional pop duo with Vicky Hughes, 'Junction 9', from 2003-2004. During his run in Never Forget, an interview with him appeared in his biography/credits on the musical's official website.

Credits

Theatrical Credits

• Adrian Banks/Mark Owen in Never Forget^[5] (2007 UK tour and original West End run.)

Taking solos in Pray, Take That and Party and Never Forget, and also performing in numbers such as It Only Takes A Minute, Babe, Back For Good, I Found Heaven and Relight My Fire.

• Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Mark in Rent^[6]
• Nintendo,^[7] and understudy to Rusty the Steam Engine, Caboose and Flat-Top the Brick Truck in Starlight Express ^[8] (2006 UK tour.)

Tim Driesen performed in numbers such as Starlight Express, Starlight Sequence, Only He and Light at the End of the Tunnel during his run in Starlight Express.

• Father Alexander and understudy to Eddy in Mamma Mia! (West End.)
• Mephistopheles Smith in Mephistopheles Smith
• Donny Osmond and David Cassidy in Thank You For The Music
• Riff Raff and Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show
• Bat Boy: The Musical (frequently playing the title role)
• Narrator in Glory Hallelujah 2000 (Belgian Production.)
• Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk (York, England, 2009)^[9]

In which Driesen sang Go the Distance From Disney's Hercules.^[10]

Television Credits

• Behind the Musical: The Making of Never Forget^[11]
• The Bubbles (1991 TV series)^[12]
• This Morning
• GMTV
• Loose Women^[13]
• Idols 2004 (performed 'Breathe Easy')

Film/DVD Credits

• Never Forget as Adrian Banks/Mark Owen (DVD)^[14]

Filmed at the opening night at Manchester Opera House.^[15] Driesen also appears in an interview on the DVD's bonus material.

Recordings

Albums

• Never Forget original cast CD, singing the role of Adrian Banks/Mark Owen
• Mephistophles Smith EP
• Belgian Soldier, Castle Video's
• Glory Hallelujah 2000 revival cast CD
• The Bubbles

Songs

• 'Winner at a Losing Game' (2008)^[16]
• 'I'm Movin' On' (2006)^[17]
• 'Love on the Line'^[18]
• 'Better Than It Used to Be' (Junction 9, 2004)^[19]
• 'Between You and Me' (Junction 9, 2003)^[20]
• 'Breathe Easy' (2003)^[21]
• 'We Don't Say Goodbye' (1999)^[22]

Other Work

• Party at the Palace for The Queen's Golden Jubilee
• Sing With A Star
• Oxford Street's Christmas Lights Ceremony

External links

• Tim Driesen's offical website
• Tim Driesen at the Internet Movie Database

References