Russell Norman was not just a celebrated chef, but a talented actor too

‘Russell Norman became an English and drama teacher prior to his career in the London restaurant scene.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

I was deeply upset to read of Russell Norman’s untimely passing (Restaurateur and author Russell Norman dies aged 57, 24 November). He was rightly celebrated as a groundbreaking restaurateur, writer and television programme-maker.

Perhaps it’s less widely known that he was also a talented actor, who as a young man excelled in drama lessons at the Heathland school in Hounslow, west London. As his drama teacher, I benefited hugely from his imaginative and insightful contributions to lessons, clubs and school productions in roles that ranged from a rip-roaring Bugsy Malone to a dark, brooding Banquo.