Andy Hockley

A headshot of actor Andy Hockley, a middle-aged white man with short grey stubble and brown eyes. He's looking at the viewer with a slight smile, and e is wearing a black top.

Andy Hockley is an actor widely celebrated as Belgrade Theatre Coventry’s panto stalwart. In winter 2025, he celebrated his 20th pantomime appearance at the theatre.

 

Andy’s relationship with Coventry and the Belgrade began in 1982 as a third-year theatre design student when he first met Iain Lauchlan — the writer, director, and dame who would become his long-time creative partner. In 1989, Iain invited Andy back to Coventry to perform in the Belgrade’s annual pantomime, and since then the role of the dame at the Belgrade has been played almost exclusively by Iain or Andy.

 

Roles include Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella (Best Sisters award with Iain Lauchlan), Dick Whittington, Mother Goose (Belgrade), Wicked, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Phantom of the Opera (West End).

 

Andy moved to Coventry permanently over 30 years ago and considers the Belgrade his second home. When he isn’t performing or is winding down between acting roles, he works front of house in the building, meeting multiple generations of families who grew up watching him on stage and are now bringing their own children to see him.

I am very honoured to be a Patron of Underground Lights, as I appreciate the importance of theatre in giving people a confidence and a voice they don't necessarily have in society. It provides a safe space in which they can simply be themselves and build friendships and trust. The value of companies like Underground Lights is immeasurable.