A History Of Liverpool Thespians - Philip McGinley

Philip Kiaran McGinley was born at Whiston Hospital, Merseyside on the 6th of June 1981 and grew up in Golborne, near Wigan. Here he attended All Saints Primary School, Golborne High School and Winstanley Sixth Form College. Philip then attended Willpower Youth Theatre in Wigan for many years until he left to go to the Oxford School of Drama and the Arts Educational Schools in London, graduating in 2003.  

His first TV roles included 'The Bill' (2003-08), 'Dalziel and Pascoe' (2004), 'Casualty' (2004-07), the TV movie 'Falling' (2005), 'Heartbeat' (2006) and 'Cold Blood' (2007) before appearing in 69 episodes of 'Coronation Street' (2008-09) as Tom Kerrigan- Connor. Tom was first seen in February 2008 for his cousin, Liam O'Connor's stag do, then returned in June 2008, and then in September 2008 when Sean Tully made a pass at him. Tom helped Liam and his sister-in-law Carla create a new T-shirt business, 'Lad Rags' and after Liam's death, assisted Liam's widow Maria as they were now joint owners of 'Lad Rags'. The character was axed and written out of the soap in 2009, making his final appearance on the 24th of April 2009, although he didn't receive an on-screen departure. Before leaving, Tom had a fling with Kelly Crabtree on her birthday. 

Carla and Tom in Coronation Street

Following 'Coronation Street' his next TV role was in the BBC Three sitcom 'The Gemma Factor' (2010), set in a town called Lumb in West Yorkshire and follows Gemma Collinge who "wants to be famous by the time she turns 21."  Philip plays PC Kieran, but the handsome copper is in love with Gemma but she doesn't realise it. In 2013 he was announced as a guest star in the third season of 'Game of Thrones' to play the skilled archer Anguy, hailing from the Stormlands and a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners.

Anguy in Game of Thrones

The TV series 'Drifters' (2013-16) came next where he appeared as Mark, the protagonist Meg's ex-boyfriend, for 10 episodes and then as Bob Simmons in the Manchester based police procedural drama on Channel 4, 'No Offence' (2015). Following his role as Richard Bowers in 'Home Fires' (2015-16), in 2016 it was revealed that the 34-year-old actor, who was starring in an adaptation of DH Lawrence’s 'Husbands and Sons' at the National Theatre, would play Jesus in the production of York Minster Mystery Plays alongside Anne-Marie Duff. Phillip Breen, director of the York Minster Mystery Plays, said: “I'm delighted Philip will be joining us in the lead role of Jesus - he’s a real rising star of the British theatre, with his most notable stage credits including an RSC production of 'Great Expectations' and 'The Changeling' with Cheek by Jowl. His acting credentials range from film to major TV series, as well as numerous productions at major theatres so he brings a wealth of experience to the part and the wider production." Then, in 2019, London Theatre Direct published, "Further casting has been announced for the upcoming West End transfer of the hit stage play. 'The Girl On The Train', adapted from Paula Hawkins' bestseller of the same name that spawned a blockbuster film adaptation produced by DreamWorks." The show opened on the 23rd of July 2019 at London's Duke of York's Theatre and Philip, who stepped into the role of Scott Hipwell, appeared alongside Samantha Womack, who reprised her role as Rachel Watson from the UK tour. Philip has had recent roles in 'Vera' (2018), 'Manhunt' (2019) 'The Spanish Princess' (2019) and 'Inmate Zero' (2020).

see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2025/08/a-history-of-liverpool-thespians-lizzie.html