ON THE OUTSIDE BREAKING IN

....and.......ACTION!

Raw, intense energy. An instantaneous connection. Absolute emotional integrity. These are the qualities that Andrew Tiernan's characters consistently communicate to the viewer. Andy is passionate both in and about his work and the roles he chooses seldom fall into the category generally regarded as safe or run-of-the-mill. His signature note as an actor often lies in portraying the disharmony of the world of the outcast, the outlaw, the outrageous or the outsider. Brought up on one of Britain's most notorious housing estates ("Ladywood" in Birmingham) in the 60's and 70's Andy says: "I was an outsider who got an idea that playing outsiders could be a way out". His work as a result often has an uncanny way of gemmying the lock of the audience's complacency.

A self-confessed cultural anarchist, his view of the Hollywood Star Syndrome is similarly non-conformist and honest, commenting "Luckily I don't get impressed by this stuff". Andy prefers wherever possible to concentrate on projects that offer him a high degree of creative freedom as an actor. One notable work that offered him this opportunity was the 1991 film "Edward the Second" directed by Derek Jarman wherein he gave an acclaimed performance as Piers Gaveston.

One of Andy's most well-received television roles to date was in the 1993 episode of the British crime series "Cracker:To Say I Love You" in which he gave a hauntingly brilliant portrayal of the darkly angelic, psychologically fractured Sean Kerrigan. Of this part he says: "It is safe to say it is the show I have had the most respect for".

Having notched up over fifteen years in the industry Andy has worked for many leading directors during his film and stage career. He cites Roman Polanski - whom he worked with on "The Pianist" - and Wilson Milam - who directed him in the plays "True West" and "Flesh Wound" in 2003 - as being amongst his favourites.

Welcome then to the Andrew Tiernan Connection.ZZZZZ

AT as Austin in "True West"