Ben Willbond

Benjamin Thomas Willbond (born 18 January 1973) is an English actor and screenwriter. He is best known for his numerous roles in a children’s program Horrible Histories (2009–2013), as well as Yonderland (2013–2016), where he also played various different roles, and Ghosts (2019–) where he played The Captain. He is also known for appearing in movies such as St. Trinian's (2007), Bill (2015), and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016). He was part of the comedy duo "Ben & Arn", for which he won Perrier Award for "Best Newcomer" in 1999, and formed the self-proclaimed "thinking man's French pop duo" Priorité à Gauche. He then went on to perform his solo character shows at several Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. He is best known for his regular role in CBBC's Horrible Histories, in which he played a wide variety of historical figures, most memorably recurring roles as Henry VIII and Alexander the Great. He is also the co-creator, -writer and -star of Yonderland, a family fantasy comedy series that premiered on SkyOne on 10 November 2013. In addition, he is the co-writer of Bill, a BBC-produced comedy film based loosely around the early life of William Shakespeare. Other notable television work includes the recurring roles of Steve Warwick in the BBC comedy Rev, Adam Kenyon in BBC Four's The Thick of It and as a television director in the movie-length final episode of the Ricky Gervais comedy Extras (BBC Two). He has also appeared in Katy Brand's Big Ass Show for ITV2 and Mayo for BBC ...

Imagine Me & You (2005)

During her wedding ceremony, Rachel notices Luce in the audience and feels instantly drawn to her. The two women become close friends, and when Rachel learns that Luce is a lesbian, she realizes that despite her happy marriage to Heck, she is falling for Luce. As ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ol Parker
CAST:  Piper Perabo  •  Lena Headey  •  Matthew Goode  •  Celia Imrie

During her wedding ceremony, Rachel notices Luce in the audience and feels instantly drawn to her. The two women become close friends, and when Rachel learns that Luce is a lesbian, she realizes that despite her happy marriage to Heck, she is falling for Luce. As ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ol Parker
CAST:  Piper Perabo  •  Lena Headey  •  Matthew Goode  •  Celia Imrie

Starter for 10 (2006)

In 1985, against the backdrop of Thatcherism, Brian Jackson enrolls in the University of Bristol, a scholarship boy from seaside Essex with a love of knowledge for its own sake and a childhood spent watching University Challenge, a college quiz show. At Bristol he ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tom Vaughan
CAST:  James McAvoy  •  Alice Eve  •  Dominic Cooper  •  Simon Woods

In 1985, against the backdrop of Thatcherism, Brian Jackson enrolls in the University of Bristol, a scholarship boy from seaside Essex with a love of knowledge for its own sake and a childhood spent watching University Challenge, a college quiz show. At Bristol he ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tom Vaughan
CAST:  James McAvoy  •  Alice Eve  •  Dominic Cooper  •  Simon Woods

Tooty's Wedding (2011)

A young couple's marriage hilariously hits the rocks during a weekend wedding in the country.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fred Casella
CAST:  Ben Willbond  •  Laura Solon  •  Daisy Haggard  •  Mathew Baynton

A young couple's marriage hilariously hits the rocks during a weekend wedding in the country.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fred Casella
CAST:  Ben Willbond  •  Laura Solon  •  Daisy Haggard  •  Mathew Baynton

Secret Smile (2005)

When Miranda splits up with her creepy boyfriend Brendan because he attacked her, she finds out that he is now going out with her sister, Kerry. Miranda warns her sister as Brendan swims his way into their family, ruining peoples lives.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Christopher Menaul
CAST:  David Tennant  •  Kate Ashfield  •  Claire Goose  •  Jill Baker

When Miranda splits up with her creepy boyfriend Brendan because he attacked her, she finds out that he is now going out with her sister, Kerry. Miranda warns her sister as Brendan swims his way into their family, ruining peoples lives.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Christopher Menaul
CAST:  David Tennant  •  Kate Ashfield  •  Claire Goose  •  Jill Baker

W.E. (2011)

In 1998, an auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor causes great excitement. For one woman, Wally Winthrop, it has much more meaning. Wally becomes obsessed by their historic love story. As she learns more about the sacrifices involved, Wally gains ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Madonna
CAST:  Abbie Cornish  •  Andrea Riseborough  •  James D'Arcy  •  Richard Coyle

In 1998, an auction of the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor causes great excitement. For one woman, Wally Winthrop, it has much more meaning. Wally becomes obsessed by their historic love story. As she learns more about the sacrifices involved, Wally gains ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Madonna
CAST:  Abbie Cornish  •  Andrea Riseborough  •  James D'Arcy  •  Richard Coyle

Cemetery Junction (2010)

In 1970s England, three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie wants to leave their working-class world but cool, charismatic Bruce and lovable loser Snork are happy with life the way it is. When Freddie gets a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ricky Gervais  •  Stephen Merchant
CAST:  Christian Cooke  •  Felicity Jones  •  Tom Hughes  •  Jack Doolan

In 1970s England, three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie wants to leave their working-class world but cool, charismatic Bruce and lovable loser Snork are happy with life the way it is. When Freddie gets a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ricky Gervais  •  Stephen Merchant
CAST:  Christian Cooke  •  Felicity Jones  •  Tom Hughes  •  Jack Doolan

The Gigolos (2006)

Sacha is an aging, well-established London 'male escort' with a select clientèle of weekly socialite ladies, such as baroness James, who expect an impeccable service he can only provide thanks to his in-living 'orderly', handsome 'clever Trevor', who moonlights as ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Bracewell
CAST:  Trevor Sather  •  Sacha Tarter  •  Susannah York  •  Anna Massey

Sacha is an aging, well-established London 'male escort' with a select clientèle of weekly socialite ladies, such as baroness James, who expect an impeccable service he can only provide thanks to his in-living 'orderly', handsome 'clever Trevor', who moonlights as ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Bracewell
CAST:  Trevor Sather  •  Sacha Tarter  •  Susannah York  •  Anna Massey

Bill (2015)

What really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'? Hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his home to follow his dream.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Bracewell
CAST:  Mathew Baynton  •  Simon Farnaby  •  Martha Howe-Douglas  •  Jim Howick

What really happened during Shakespeare's 'Lost Years'? Hopeless lute player Bill Shakespeare leaves his home to follow his dream.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Bracewell
CAST:  Mathew Baynton  •  Simon Farnaby  •  Martha Howe-Douglas  •  Jim Howick

Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

After breaking up with Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones's 'happily ever after' hasn't quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Sharon Maguire
CAST:  Renée Zellweger  •  Colin Firth  •  Patrick Dempsey  •  Jim Broadbent

After breaking up with Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones's 'happily ever after' hasn't quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Sharon Maguire
CAST:  Renée Zellweger  •  Colin Firth  •  Patrick Dempsey  •  Jim Broadbent

Rest Stop (2014)

Everything changes one night for Meredith, a young backpacker desperate to find meaning in her life, when she meets a mysterious stranger in a dingy British service station... claiming to know her.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Kate Herron
CAST:  Cari Leslie  •  Ben Willbond

Everything changes one night for Meredith, a young backpacker desperate to find meaning in her life, when she meets a mysterious stranger in a dingy British service station... claiming to know her.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Kate Herron
CAST:  Cari Leslie  •  Ben Willbond

St. Trinian's (2007)

When their beloved school is threatened with closure should the powers that be fail to raise the proper funds, the girls scheme to steal a priceless painting and use the profits to pull St. Trinian's out of the red.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Oliver Parker  •  Barnaby Thompson
CAST:  Talulah Riley  •  Rupert Everett  •  Gemma Arterton  •  Colin Firth

When their beloved school is threatened with closure should the powers that be fail to raise the proper funds, the girls scheme to steal a priceless painting and use the profits to pull St. Trinian's out of the red.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Oliver Parker  •  Barnaby Thompson
CAST:  Talulah Riley  •  Rupert Everett  •  Gemma Arterton  •  Colin Firth

I Want Candy (2007)

Two hopeful lads from Leatherhead trying to break into the movies stumble upon the opportunity of a lifetime. Frustrated by their arty film teacher, wannabe producer Joe and his talented but neurotic director friend Baggy head to London to sell what they know is a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Stephen Surjik
CAST:  Tom Riley  •  Tom Burke  •  Carmen Electra  •  Eddie Marsan

Two hopeful lads from Leatherhead trying to break into the movies stumble upon the opportunity of a lifetime. Frustrated by their arty film teacher, wannabe producer Joe and his talented but neurotic director friend Baggy head to London to sell what they know is a ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Stephen Surjik
CAST:  Tom Riley  •  Tom Burke  •  Carmen Electra  •  Eddie Marsan

King of Thieves (2018)

London, England, April 2015. Brian Reader, a retired thief, gathers an unlikely gang of burglars to perpetrate the biggest and boldest heist in British history. The thieves assault the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company and escape with millions in goods and money. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  James Marsh
CAST:  Michael Caine  •  Jim Broadbent  •  Ray Winstone  •  Michael Gambon

London, England, April 2015. Brian Reader, a retired thief, gathers an unlikely gang of burglars to perpetrate the biggest and boldest heist in British history. The thieves assault the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company and escape with millions in goods and money. ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  James Marsh
CAST:  Michael Caine  •  Jim Broadbent  •  Ray Winstone  •  Michael Gambon

Sequins (2019)

Paul's journey of self-discovery takes a unique turn when he embarks on his ambition to become a drag queen, despite fear of ridicule from his peers and being ostracized by his family. Opportunity presents itself when Paul meets drag queen Mimi Le Purr, a seasoned ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Beddoes
CAST:  Robbie Gaskell  •  James Dreyfus  •  Ben Willbond  •  Nicole Louise Lewis

Paul's journey of self-discovery takes a unique turn when he embarks on his ambition to become a drag queen, despite fear of ridicule from his peers and being ostracized by his family. Opportunity presents itself when Paul meets drag queen Mimi Le Purr, a seasoned ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Michael Beddoes
CAST:  Robbie Gaskell  •  James Dreyfus  •  Ben Willbond  •  Nicole Louise Lewis

Exit Strategy

A black comedy about a dysfunctional marriage in a consumerist dystopia.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Ben Willbond

A black comedy about a dysfunctional marriage in a consumerist dystopia.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Ben Willbond

Spinners and Losers (2007)

Peter Mannion's speech on immigration, leaking the PM's policy, did not have the effect Tucker desired and now the PM is resigning, leaving the way clear for the Nutters and their leader Tom. Ollie has been promised a job by young Nutter Ben Swain, Tucker's ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Armando Iannucci
CAST:  Peter Capaldi  •  Chris Addison  •  James Smith  •  Joanna Scanlan

Peter Mannion's speech on immigration, leaking the PM's policy, did not have the effect Tucker desired and now the PM is resigning, leaving the way clear for the Nutters and their leader Tom. Ollie has been promised a job by young Nutter Ben Swain, Tucker's ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Armando Iannucci
CAST:  Peter Capaldi  •  Chris Addison  •  James Smith  •  Joanna Scanlan

We Are Not Alone (2023)

Six weeks after the Gu'un aliens have invaded and completely conquered Earth, hapless Stewart becomes the Gu'uns' official human liaison who ends up saddled with alien Greggs for a housemate. Stewart must help the Gu'uns deliver their message to the masses and win ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fergal Costello
CAST:  Declan Baxter  •  Joe Thomas  •  Georgia May Foote  •  Vicki Pepperdine

Six weeks after the Gu'un aliens have invaded and completely conquered Earth, hapless Stewart becomes the Gu'uns' official human liaison who ends up saddled with alien Greggs for a housemate. Stewart must help the Gu'uns deliver their message to the masses and win ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Fergal Costello
CAST:  Declan Baxter  •  Joe Thomas  •  Georgia May Foote  •  Vicki Pepperdine

Horrible Histories’ Big Prom Party (2011)

Horrible Histories Prom was a free family concert showcasing the original songs from the British television series Horrible Histories, along with classical music. It was held on 30 July 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and was that year's children's entry ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Dominic Brigstocke
CAST:  Mathew Baynton  •  Jim Howick  •  Simon Farnaby  •  Ben Willbond

Horrible Histories Prom was a free family concert showcasing the original songs from the British television series Horrible Histories, along with classical music. It was held on 30 July 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and was that year's children's entry ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Dominic Brigstocke
CAST:  Mathew Baynton  •  Jim Howick  •  Simon Farnaby  •  Ben Willbond