David Ajao is an award-winning British actor and writer, and a Rose Bruford College alumnus who was made a Fellow of the College in 2026 in recognition of his achievements across theatre, television and film.
David’s route into acting was not a conventional one. He did not grow up in a theatrical family and initially chose Drama as an examination subject simply because he thought he might pass it! After discovering his passion for performance, he went on to study American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College, where he developed his interest in classical and contemporary theatre.
In 2013, David was cast as Romeo in a touring production of Romeo and Juliet with Box Clever Theatre, a company dedicated to creating high-quality theatre for young audiences. This experience helped establish his career on stage and led to further opportunities in classical theatre.
David joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 2015, appearing in productions including Othello, The Merchant of Venice and Hecuba. He subsequently returned to the RSC for As You Like It and Measure for Measure, playing Orlando and performing in some of the company’s major Shakespeare productions.
His screen credits include appearances in the BBC medical drama Holby City, the comedy horror film Cockneys vs Zombies, 50 Kisses, Sunny D, Not Going Out and Mammoth. Alongside acting, David has developed an accomplished career as a writer and script editor, with credits including The Big Breakfast, Slim’s Guide to Life and Stupid Central.
In September 2026, David returned to Rose Bruford College to receive his Fellowship, recognising his contribution to the performing arts and his journey from student to accomplished actor and writer. Reflecting on the honour, he described it as a full-circle moment, recalling how the College helped him understand not only the performer he wanted to become, but also the artist he could be.
His career is an inspiring example of the many different routes into the creative industries and the opportunities that can emerge from discovering a passion for performance.