Lawrence's childhood was marked by a unique blend of urban and rural influences, as he spent his formative years in London while simultaneously spending every summer with his grandparents on their farm in the picturesque fishing village of Bantry, situated on the west coast of Ireland. This dichotomy of environments likely played a significant role in shaping his perspective and fostering a sense of creativity.
Lawrence's educational trajectory was marked by a brief stint at an all-boys school, which he attended until the age of sixteen. At this point, he was required to attend an all-girls school for his drama lessons, a decision that likely had a profound impact on his development as an individual and an artist.
Following his formal education, Lawrence embarked on a series of vocational experiences, including stints in sales and manual labor. However, it was his successful audition for a one-year acting course that truly marked the beginning of his professional journey.
Upon completing his one-year course, Lawrence was accepted into the prestigious Drama Centre London, where he trained for an additional three years. His hard work and dedication ultimately paid off, as he graduated on a Friday and began working on an opera just two days later, under the direction of renowned theatre professional Simon Callow.
Lawrence made his West End theatre debut in Sir Peter Hall's production of Amadeus, which starred Michael Sheen and David Suchet. He later reprised his role as a television actor, working once more with David Suchet on the 2001 production of Poirot: Evil Under The Sun.
In addition to his acting career, Lawrence has also developed a lifelong passion for the Japanese martial art of Jiu Jitsu, which he has been training in for many years. His dedication to this discipline has earned him the esteemed rank of Black Belt (4th dan).