Simon McBurney

Simon McBurney co-founded Complicité (originally called Théâtre de Complicité) in London in 1983. The company became internationally renowned for its physically driven, multimedia productions including Mnemonic, A Disappearing Number, and an acclaimed stage adaptation of The Master and Margarita. McBurney has served as its artistic director throughout much of its history.

McBurney's film credits include The Last King of Scotland (2006), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), The Theory of Everything (2014), and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). He also provided voice work in Christopher Nolan's Tenet (2020) and appeared in the HBO series The Crown. His screen roles frequently draw on his theatre-trained character work.

The Encounter is a solo performance created by McBurney and Complicité, based on Petru Popescu's book Amazon Beaming about National Geographic photographer Loren McIntyre's experiences with the Mayoruna people in the Amazon. The production uses sophisticated binaural 3D audio, with audience members wearing headphones to experience immersive soundscapes created live on stage. It premiered to wide critical acclaim and toured internationally.

Yes, Complicité productions directed by McBurney have received multiple Laurence Olivier Awards. A Disappearing Number won the Olivier for Best New Play in 2008, and the company has accumulated numerous nominations across categories over the decades. McBurney himself was also awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama.