Born Norman Thompson in London in 1906. Son of a butler, started his
working life as a commercial artist designing book jackets for the
publishers Hodder & Stoughton.
After surviving emphysema he was advised by his surgeon to take up
singing to revive his lungs. Made his first radio broadcast for the BBC
in the 1930s, singing negro spirituals and Czech songs by Dvorak. At
this time he changed his surname to Lumsden (his mother's maiden name).
Benjamin Britten recognised Lumsden's singing talents describing
him as, "that rare British product, a true bass". Norman had a
distinguished career as an opera singer, performing several times at
Covent Garden and the prestigious Aldeburgh and Glyndebourne festivals.
Productions he performed in include Britten's version of 'A Midsummer
Night's Dream', also 'Albert Herring' and 'Billy Budd'. Took part in
Britten's first 13 Aldeburgh festivals (1948-60). He gained acting work
after appearing in a commercial for cracker biscuits in the 1970s.
Mostly only had bit parts as a screen actor.
The Detectives(1993)as Old Man
The Brian Conley Show(1992)
The Fool(1990)
White Hunter Black Heart(1990)as Butler George
Jeeves and Wooster(1990)as Buffers Porter
The 100 Greatest TV Ads(2000)as Self, J.R. Hartley
The Generation Game(1971)as Self - Guest Star
Music on 2(1965)as The Voice of God