Dramatis are an English synth-pop band formed in the early 1980s. Chris Payne (vocals, keyboards), Rrussell 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.
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.
In 2012, plans to reunite Dramatis were cancelled following the passing of Cedric Sharpley, who died from a heart attack on 13 March 2012.Thedeadrockstarsclub.com – accessed 18 March 2012Dramatis interview Electricity Club 14 January 2020
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.
Discography Studio albums Year Album title 1981 For Future Reference (also known as The Dramatis Project) Released: 4 December 1981 Label: The Rocket Record Company Format: LP, MC
Singles Year Title UK chart position Album 1981 "Ex Luna Scientia" — For Future Reference "Oh! Twenty Twenty Five" — "No-One Lives Forever" — "Love Needs No Disguise"(with Gary Numan) 33 1982 "Face on the Wall" — Non-album singles "The Shame" — "I Can See Her Now" 57 2020"A Torment of Angels"—
Album appearances +YearArtistAlbumUK chart positionNotes1982Gary NumanNew Man Numan - The Best of Gary Numan45"Love Needs No Disguise" features as part of compilation album1987Exhibition431990Asylum 2 (Japan-only release)—1993Best of Gary Numan 1978-83701996The Premier Hits212002Exposure442012Machine Music Live—"Love Needs No Disguise" was performed live with the original lineup of Dramatiswith the exception of Cedric Sharpley, who died only a few months prior. It was played in dedication of his passing.
References
External links Cedric Sharpley obituary