• Line of Duty actor recognised for outstanding contribution to drama
• Freedom recipient is Guildhall School graduate and star of hit musical at Barbican Theatre
• Receiving Freedom is “truly special” says Adrian Dunbar
   

Adrian Dunbar, best known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in the hugely popular BBC-1 drama series, Line of Duty, has received the Freedom of the City of London today, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to drama and his support for emerging acting talent.

The Enniskillen-born actor, director, and singer was nominated by Emily Benn, Chair of the City Corporation’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Sir William Russell.

A graduate of Guildhall School’s Class of 1983, Adrian received the Fellowship of Guildhall School – the institution’s highest accolade – in 2024.

His television and film credits include Line of Duty, Ridley, Ashes to Ashes, Broken, The Hollow Crown, The Crying Game, Richard III, My Left Foot, Cracker, Shooters, A Touch of Frost, and Silent Witness.

Adrian co-wrote and starred in the 1991 film, Hear My Song, which was nominated for a Best Original Screenplay BAFTA Award, and in 2018, he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA Award for Line of Duty.

In 2024, he made his musical theatre debut, playing Fred Graham / Petruchio in the widely acclaimed production of Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican Theatre.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Adrian Dunbar, said:

"Having arrived in the City of London to take up my course in Drama at Guildhall School in 1980, to then work with the RSC at the Barbican and recently, in Kiss Me, Kate, and with Guildhall Alumni, to round off this journey nearly 50 years later with the Freedom of the City of London is truly special.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for making this singular honour happen."

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is supported by the City of London Corporation as part of its contribution to the cultural life of London and the nation. The City Corporation, which is one of the largest funders of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £145m every year, manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall Library, Guildhall Art Gallery, The London Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and London Museum.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“One of our most popular and respected actors, Adrian Dunbar is a worthy recipient of the Freedom of the City of London and I offer him my congratulations and warmest wishes.

“I hope that he and his guests will have happy memories of the Freedom ceremony, which is both unique and historic, for many years to come.”

Professor Jonathan Vaughan, Principal, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, said:

"We are delighted that Adrian Dunbar is receiving the Freedom of the City of London - a much-deserved honour for an artist who honed his craft right here in the Square Mile.

“As an alumnus of Guildhall School, we are very proud of Adrian's many successes across stage and screen, and grateful that he has chosen to give back to the School in myriad ways.

“Be it performing with our alumni in the Guildhall Session Orchestra, sharing his experience with our current Acting students, or supporting the next generation of emerging talent through the Adrian Dunbar and Neil Morrissey Scholarships, Adrian is creating opportunities for future Guildhall creatives to follow in his footsteps."

Chair of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Emily Benn, said:

“Adrian Dunbar is a Guildhall School great: one of the defining actors of his generation, thrilling us with unforgettable performances.

“All of us at Guildhall School are hugely proud of everything that Adrian has achieved since he graduated, and we are also very grateful for his ongoing support of the School and our students, helping the next generation of Guildhall talent to go on to thrive on stages and screens around the world." 

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement. 

Recent notable recipients include choreographer and theatre director, Dame Arlene Phillips; City of London Police Commander Umer Khan; two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; TV and radio presenter and cancer charity ambassador, Gloria Hunniford; and novelist, Ken Follett.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Sport), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.