3. Sting
The main British actor in Stormy Monday, and the character who steals the show, is Sting. Stings performance in the film was not his only acting role, as he had previously acted in films including Quadrophenia, Brimstone and Treacle, and Dune. His role in Stormy Monday is no novelty, as he delivers a genuinely good presentation of a local nightclub owner. Sting is a Geordie, though there are some who dispute the label. He was born in Wallsend, near the famous Swan Hunter shipyards on the Tyne, which built ships used all over the world including Titanics sister ship the Mauretania. Just this year Sting released a new album, The Last Ship, which is meant as the soundtrack to a Broadway musical of the same name. He sings the album in his native Geordie accent and dialect, and features Tyneside guests in the form of AC DCs Brian Johnson, and Jimmy Nail. Stings role in the film is significant, as he plays the anti-heroic nightclub owner Finney. Being native to Newcastle upon Tyne, Sting fills the characters role naturally, bringing a recognisable screen presence together with a mature acting performance. His character speaks with a Geordie accent, and knows the ins and outs of the Tyneside nightlife scene; showing the protagonist Brendan the ropes of the criminal underworld. Stings character Finney has real dynamism and strength, and should be acknowledged as an underrated figure in both the genres of the Noir and Crime film.