Richard Bean began his career as a stand-up comedian and wrote the sketch show CONTROL GROUP SIX that was broadcast by BBC and later on nominated for a Writers’ Guild Award. In 1995, he wrote the libretto to Stephen McNeffs opera PARADISE OF FOOLS that had its world premiere at The Unicorn Arts Theatre. His first full-length play OF RATS AND MEN was staged at The Canal Café Theatre and subsequently in Edinburgh. In addition the play was adapted for radio and nominated for a Sony Award. His second play TOAST was staged at The Royal Court Upstairs in February 1999 in a collaboration with The National Theatre Studio. In 2000 his third play MR ENGLAND had its world premiere at The Crucible in Sheffield, while his latest radio play UNSINKABLE was nominated for a Sony Award and broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
In 2001 Richard Bean was In-house playwright at The National Theatre where his fourth play THE MENTALISTS was staged at The Lyttelton Loft as part of its Transformation-season. His fifth play UNDER THE WHALEBACK won the 2002 George Devine Award and had its opening at The Royal Court in April 2003. His latest play SMACK FAMILY ROBINSON was produced at Live Theatre in Newcastle in May 2003.