Dramatis

Dramatis
OriginLondon, England
GenresSynth-pop, new wave
Years active1981–1982, 2013–present
LabelsThe Rocket Record Company
MembersChris Payne
Rrussell Bell
Denis Haines
Past membersCedric Sharpley

Dramatis are an English synth-pop band formed in the early 1980s. Chris Payne (vocals, keyboards), Russell Bell (guitars, keyboards), Cedric Sharpley (drums), and Denis Haines (keyboards) were all originally members of Gary Numan's backing band. They formed Dramatis following Numan's announced (but short-lived) retirement from touring in April 1981.

They released seven singles and one album before disbanding in 1982. Two of their singles reached the UK Singles Chart: the 1981 single with Numan "Love Needs No Disguise" which reached number 33, and the 1982 single "I Can See Her Now" which reached number 57.[1][2]

In 2012, plans to reunite Dramatis were cancelled following the passing of Cedric Sharpley, who died from a heart attack on 13 March 2012.[3][4]

In 2019, Russell Bell and Chris Payne announced a new Dramatis single called "The Torment of Angels", and that they were working on a second Dramatis album.[4]

  1. ^ "Love Needs No Disguise". Chart Stats. Retrieved on 5 December 2008.
  2. ^ "I Can See Her Now". Chart Stats. Retrieved on 5 December 2008.
  3. ^ Thedeadrockstarsclub.com – accessed 18 March 2012
  4. ^ a b Dramatis interview Electricity Club 14 January 2020