Mark Ryan (guitarist) facts for kids

Mark Ryan (born March 2, 1959 – died January 31, 2011) was a talented musician from England. He was known for playing the guitar in several punk rock bands in the late 1970s. Later in his life, he became a successful writer for plays.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Mark Ryan was born in Tottenham, London, England. His family had Irish roots. His father was a university professor, and his mother worked as a nurse. Mark left school when he was sixteen years old. He worked in factories, but he spent all his free time playing music.

Playing in Punk Bands

In 1977, Mark joined a band called the Ants. He became their new guitarist. The band played their first live show in May. They also recorded some songs and appeared in a film called Jubilee.

Later that year, Mark left the Ants. The band then changed its name to the more famous Adam and the Ants. After leaving, Mark joined another band called the Photons. He also played with the Moors Murderers. The singer for both of these bands was Steve Strange. Steve later became famous as the lead singer of the band Visage. Mark also played in a band called King. He was with Captain Sensible from the band the Damned.

A New Path: Writing for Theatre

From 1985 to 1989, Mark Ryan went to the Dartington College of Arts. He studied music there and earned a special degree in 1989. After college, he became very interested in writing for the stage. He started a successful career as a playwright in Cardiff, Wales.

One of his well-known plays is The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as Told to Carl Jung by an Inmate of Broadmoor Asylum. This play was first performed in 1998.

Later Life

Mark Ryan lived in Heath, Cardiff, Wales, for many years. He passed away there on January 31, 2011, at the age of 51.