A national treasure grounded in Norfolk

Stephen Fry on school days at Gresham’s, mental health and finding beauty in the quiet corners of his home county

He is a comedian, actor, author, and presenter - a man who surveys over the health and wealth of a nation with an almost impeccable eye.

Stephen Fry has climbed to a status all of his own, with influence that has made him a star on both sides of the Atlantic. And yet the roots of his global wit, intellect, and charm can be found in the quiet, rural surrounds of Norfolk.

Not only was the county where he grew up as a child – specifically, in the village of Booton, some 13 miles north of Norwich – but he attended school at the nearby Cawston Primary, and later returned to the area to thrive at Gresham’s School in Holt.

“I really flourished at Gresham’s,” begins Fry, his face immediately lighting up at the flurry of recollections evidently washing over him. “Up until then we had lived something of a nomadic existence – I was actually born in Hampstead… though it didn’t quite carry the same kudos and status as it does now.

“Our first move to Norfolk was interrupted by a relocation to Gloucestershire, though the lure of this magnificent area never truly leaves you, and my parents certainly felt that way too.”

Gresham’s was not only a respected place of education; the school also sparked Fry’s love for literature, theatre, creative and dramatic art. “It was where I first realised the escapism and freedom that the ability to write could bring one,” he continues. “My teachers were fierce exemplars of those who had read well and written well, and they loved having pupils who could reach deep and extract those same dreams and fantasies, and I was certainly one of those, even if perhaps I wasn’t the most gifted in my class.”

The last point is pertinent to who Fry is today. He has never regarded himself as superior or loftier than those around him – more a commentator on what he sees, and someone happy to give a platform to others.

“A lot of my early work in entertainment was about putting myself front of stage – that’s how you

“I think particularly now, in an era where everyone is clamouring for attention, it feels so nice to offer a spotlight onto others, or onto facts or information that isn’t selfobsessed . . .” get noticed, after all,” he says. “After a while though, you realise there is actually more value in sharing the talent and craft of others. Perhaps QI has been the best example of letting the wonder of knowledge permeate a space where it perhaps shouldn’t be… a panel show on terrestrial television!

“I think particularly now, in an era where everyone is clamouring for attention, it feels so nice to offer a spotlight onto others, or onto facts or information that isn’t self-obsessed . . .”

Fry’s spotlight came, appropriately, via the prestigious Footlights Theatre Group at Cambridge University – where the likes of Clive Anderson, Douglas Adams, Tony Slattery, Olivia Colman, David Baddiel, Hugh Dennis, Mel Giedroyc and Tom Hollander also emerged – and his sparky jocularity and intelligence led to significant success with long-time collaborator and friend Hugh Laurie, in

A Bit of Fry and Laurie

The likes of Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster, V for Vendetta and The Hobbit followed, with a developing acting range that encompassed both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing an ability to captivate audiences with nuanced performances.

A master of the English language, Fry is known for his wordplay, eloquent speeches, and sharp observations. His writing is marked by a distinctive voice, blending wit, humour, and erudition, making him a beloved figure in the literary world. His autobiographical works, such as Moab is My Washpot and The Fry Chronicles, offer insight into his life, struggles and triumphs.

“I think the concept of struggle is a very healthy one,” he says. “Unless you have experienced that sense of challenge I don’t think you can truly appreciate what it is to succeed or to emerge victorious, not just versus others, but from yourself.

“As people, we are, after all, our own worst enemies, it must be said.”

On that note, Fry is also an avid advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about his own experiences with bipolar disorder. His candidness in discussing his struggles has helped ‘

Did you know?

Stephen Fry’s maternal grandparents lived in Bury St Edmunds during the 1920s. His grandfather, Martin Neumann, came to Britain from Slovakia and was one of the people responsible for setting up the town’s sugar beet factory.

He was the last person to be named Pipe Smoker of the Year before the award was discontinued.

A sports fan, Fry is a passionate supporter of Norwich City. He was a director of the Canaries but more recently has taken on a new role of Norwich City Ambassador. Fry is also president of the Marylebone Cricket Club. Dating back to 1787, the club is responsible for everything from the running of Lord's to promoting the game on a global stage.

He married comedian Elliott Spencer in 2015 at Dereham in Norfolk.

His first film appearance was in Chariots of Fire.

‘ destigmatize mental health issues and encouraged others to seek help, and the 2006 documentary, Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, earned him praise for his willingness to share his personal journey and for raising awareness about bipolar disorder.

While success has taken Fry to all corners of the globe, it’s reassuring to note the influence Norfolk still has on the 65-year-old’s life. He frequently returns to the area to visit friends and family, and in 2011 was named an honorary president of the

Norfolk Wildlife Trust, as reference to his dedication to the preservation of the region's natural heritage.

Fry has also supported various local events, such as the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and the Holt Festival, as well as backing charities and fundraising initiatives.

“I think when you realise an area has given you so much, so then do you need to ensure you give back, and that has always been my relationship with Norfolk,” he says. “There is a calmness, a stillness, and a sympathy that I have never experienced anywhere else.

“For me, many a time, the beauty I find in Norfolk is not just its picturesque river settings and centuries old architecture – I’ve spent many an overcast afternoon marvelling in equal measure at a simple field or a craggy coastline.

“It is a county that doesn’t ever try too hard, and as any actor will tell you, that is where the very best work emanates from.” interview: Richard Aldhous