Dramatis are an English synth-pop band formed in the early 1980s. Chris Payne (vocals, keyboards), Russell Bell (guitars, keyboards), Cedric Sharpley (drums), and Denis Haines (keyboards) were all originally members of Gary Numan's backing band. They formed Dramatis following Numan's announced (but short-lived) retirement from touring in April 1981.

Dramatis
OriginLondon, England
GenresSynth-pop, new wave
Years active1981–1982, 2013–present
LabelsThe Rocket Record Company
MembersChris Payne
Rrussell Bell
Denis Haines
Past membersCedric Sharpley

They released seven singles and one album before disbanding in 1982. Two of their singles reached the UK Singles Chart: the 1981 single with Numan "Love Needs No Disguise" which reached number 33, and the 1982 single "I Can See Her Now" which reached number 57.[1][2]

In 2012 plans to reunite Dramatis were cancelled following the passing of Cedric Sharpley, who died from a heart attack on 13 March 2012.[3][4]

In 2019 Rrussell Bell and Chris Payne announced a new Dramatis single called "The Torment of Angels", and that they were working on a second Dramatis album.[4]

Discography edit

Studio albums edit

Year Album title
1981 For Future Reference

(also known as The Dramatis Project)

Albums Featured On edit

Year Artist Album UK Album Charts Notes
1982 Gary Numan "New Man Numan - The Best of Gary Numan" 45 "Love Needs No Disguise" features as part of compilation album
1987 Gary Numan "Exhibition" 43
1990 Gary Numan "Asylum 2" (Released only in Japan)
1993 Gary Numan "Best of Gary Numan 1978-83" 70
1996 Gary Numan "The Premier Hits" 21
2002 Gary Numan "Exposure" 44
2012 Gary Numan "Machine Music Live" "Love Needs No Disguise" performed live with the original lineup of Dramatis with the expception of Cedric Shapley who has passed away only a few months prior. It was played in dedication of his passing.

Singles edit

Year Title UK
Singles
Chart
Album
1981 "Ex Luna Scientia" For Future Reference
"Oh! Twenty Twenty Five"
"No-One Lives Forever"
"Love Needs No Disguise"
(with Gary Numan)
33[1]
1982 "Face on the Wall" Non-album single
"The Shame"
"I Can See Her Now" 57[2]
2020 "A Torrent of Angels"

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Love Needs No Disguise". Chart Stats. Retrieved on 5 December 2008.
  2. ^ a b "I Can See Her Now". Chart Stats. Retrieved on 5 December 2008.
  3. ^ Thedeadrockstarsclub.com – accessed 18 March 2012
  4. ^ a b Dramatis interview Electricity Club 14 January 2020

External links edit