HAL DRAPER (Sid) was born in Chorley, Lancashire, and educated at Royal Cross School for the Deaf in Preston and Mary Hare Grammar School.
He first came to prominence as part of the Deaf Comedians but in recent years has achieved recognition as an actor. He appeared as 'Michael' in all five series of the ground breaking Switch drama earning a nomination as 'best actor' in the 2005 Remark! Film and Television Awards. He also starred in two BBC dramas written by William Mager - The Morning After and Granddad.
In 2004 Hal returned to comedy, taking part in a series of television comedy sketches for the BBC's See Hear with Gerry Hanifin and Patsy Palmer. In the same year he appeared in Sam Dore's short film Not From Where I'm Standing, which was nominated for a UNICEF UK award and for best European Deaf Short Film at the Clin d'Oeil festival in France.
The film won the Audience award at the Rochester Deaf Film Festival, USA 2007. Hal worked again with Sam Dore in 2008 on the short film A Million Pounds Don't Come for Free.
Playing Sid in Departure Lounge was, says Hal, 'a fantastic experience. It was a good part, a good script and good fun to make. Added to that, my character spent most of his time in bed - so its probably the most relaxing acting job I've ever done.'