FREELANCE VIKING
Born in Oxford to Michael McCarthy, a financial advisor, and Jean Poyser, a French teacher, Greg grew up with an older sibling in Crowborough, East Sussex.
When Greg was in Year Six at school, he was cast in a semi-professional production of Oliver! at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Greg’s secondary education was at Beacon College. He was also a child actor, appearing in ‘The Bill’, a BBC production called ‘Peter in Paradise’ and various advertisements.
Greg went on to study Film and English at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
After getting his degree, Greg did some television work. He also wrote and toured a show called ‘One Man MacBeth’.
He also performed throughout the country, appearing in pantomimes.
Greg then went on to join ‘Theatre in Education’. He so enjoyed working with children that he studied for a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), becoming a fully qualified primary school teacher.
It was whilst doing this, that he met occupational therapist, Lisa Gregory, at a party. She worked with adults with learning difficulties, and later with children that had Special Educational Needs (SEND).
The couple married and moved to Leicestershire, where they had two children: Frankie and Rowan.
Greg got a job as a Museum Educator for Leicestershire County Council, based at Donington le Heath Manor House at Coalville. This enabled him to act, teach and share his passion for history.
In 2009, Lisa and Greg set up their own historical re-enactment company called ‘The Specialists’, and put on shows and educational visits for schools. It was all very hands on and was loved by students and teachers alike.
Greg’s most popular characters were Gregolf the Viking (he labelled himself a ‘Freelance Viking’) and Gregorius the Roman legionary.
He also played a very realistic looking Guy Fawkes.
Other periods of history that proved extremely popular were Stone and Iron Age man, the Egyptians, the Tudors and the Victorians.
Away from work, Greg was an avid Lego fan, amassing a large collection. He would give demonstration at Lego conventions – Star Wars was his favourite.
Greg also had an extensive collection of Marvel comics.
Greg was a popular, likeable man with a real sense of fun. He was well-known for his extensive knowledge of history.
Greg died of a heart attack aged just forty-seven.
His son, Rowan, has started acting with The Specialists.
Greg’s family sold his Lego collection, raising money for charity.
RIP – Romans Invade Primary schools
