John Bell

John Bell is one of the Australia’s most illustrious theatre personalities. Award-winning actor, acclaimed director, risk-taking impresario, torch-bearing educationalist and speaker on leadership; Bell has been a key figure in shaping the nation’s theatrical identity as we know it over the past 50 years.

A trailblazer right from his very beginnings, Bell founded The Bell Shakespeare Company in 1990 where he served as Director until 2015. His productions include over 15 of Shakespeare’s greatest works, which have been played to almost 2.5 million Australians.

Bell has received recognition from many bodies for his leadership and significant contributions to national culture. He is an Officer of the Order of Australia and the Order of the British Empire; has an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the Universities of Sydney, New South Wales and Newcastle; and was recognized in 1997 by the National Trust of Australia as one of Australia’s Living Treasures.

Bell is an unforgettable speaker. His presentations are infused with humor, surprising insights, enthralling readings and leadership lessons stemming not just from his incredible story of passion, trials & success but also from the minds and deeds of Shakespeare’s most notable and polarizing characters.