Simon started his theatrical career at the Royal Court, and he went on to the Royal Shakespeare Company for 8 years. Since then, he has spent 20 years at the National Theatre. Not only has Russell Beale performed all over the world, he has also appeared in award-winning TV and film. He has presented many BBC programmes about classical music. In 2003 he was appointed a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to the Arts.