John Bell

John Bell's Biography

John Bell is one of the nation’s most illustrious theatre personalities. Award-winning actor, acclaimed director, risk-taking impresario, torch-bearing educationalist and speaker on leadership; John 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, John 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 recognised in 1997 by the National Trust of Australia as one of Australia’s Living Treasures.

John is an unforgettable speaker. His presentations are infused with humour, surprising insights, enthralling readings and leadership lessons stemming not just from John’s incredible story of passion, trials & success but also from the minds and deeds of Shakespeare’s most notable and polarising characters. And, of course… the man himself.

Speaking Topics Include

Lessons in Leadership - “To thine own self be true” – Macbeth

After founding the Bell Shakespeare Company in 1990, John Bell has learned a great deal from his many monumental experiences of failure as well as success after creating two theatre companies.

John has been credited for his significant contributions national culture, playing a pivotal role in the formation of Australian theatre. He was awarded the Bell the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Cultural Leadership Award in 2003.

In this fascinating keynote and walk away with leadership lessons from an entirely new perspective as a deep insight into “Australia’s Living National Treasure.”

Leadership in Shakespeare

Giving a voice to some of the most infamous and complex figures of our time – Shakespeare’s talents offer glimpses of insight into some of the most fascinating minds in our history.

So what can we learn from these fallible yet formidable characters?

Shakespeare provides many examples of outstanding leadership as well as those who made disastrous mistakes, corrupting the halls of power.

In this keynote, John draws special reference to Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and Octavius Caesar, Coriolanus, King Lear, Henry IV and Henry V. Their leadership lessons are explored through commentary humour and interpreted with readings.