A former Dundee policeman has gone from collaring criminals to taking curtain calls around the globe with his latest play.
Adam McNamara (33) wanted to be an actor for as long as he could recall and in his late 20s opted to swap policing for performing.
The former St John’s High School pupil joined the force 10 years ago and was stationed in Kirriemuir, Kirkton and the city centre. Despite having a secure, well-paid job, he quit fighting crime to face the limelight.
“Some people said I was nuts,” said Adam. “When I told my mum, she was like ‘okay…’ But I had no kids, no mortgage and I wasn’t tied into any pension so I thought I’d give it ago. At least I could say I tried.
“I have always wanted to be an actor and, like a lot of people with dreams, I kept putting it off. One night, when I was on back shift I decided I had to do something about it or the opportunity would pass me by.”
He joined several amateur groups in the city including Dundee Operatic Society and Dundee Rep Community Group, auditioning and winning bigger roles as his confidence and experience grew.
At 29 he won a place on the drama course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Since graduating he has played a string of top roles.
“I’ve performed in the Tron’s production of Betrayed, took part in the Edinburgh Festival, and featured in the BBC’s Single Father with David Tennant,” he said. “I’ve been really lucky to be so busy.”
Adam is currently in Warwick with the National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch. The acclaimed Scottish drama of soldiers in Iraq tours to Chicago and then New York next month.
“Black Watch is the best play I have ever seen and now I am in it,” he continued. “I saw it three years ago and have wanted to be a part of it ever since.”
Adam who was brought up in Coldside with his mum Winnie Strachan (55) and his late sister Amanda Lawson said that working as a police officer for seven years had prepared him well for his career in showbiz.
“It gives you a thick skin which you need in the entertainment industry,” he said. “It also teaches you self-discipline, which goes along way in this business.”
Adam said one of the main reasons he loved acting was bringing other people enjoyment.
“We get to entertain folk for a living,” he said. “I also get to spend my days as someone else and experience great variety in what I do.
“Some days we come off stage and say ‘I can’t believe we get paid for this!’ We enjoy it so much.”