Dramatis was formed in the United Kingdom in 1981 by former members of Gary Numan’s backing band: Chris Payne (vocals, keyboards), Russell Bell (guitars, keyboards), Cedric Sharpley (drums) and Denis Haines (keyboards). The group released their debut single "Ex Luna Scientia" in May 1981, followed by "Oh! Twenty Twenty Five" and "No-One Lives Forever" later that year, establishing a synth‑pop sound that blended rock and electronic textures. In November 1981 the band issued their sole album, For Future Reference, on The Rocket Record Company, while singles "Love Needs No Disguise" (reaching UK Number 33) and "I Can See Her Now" (UK Number 57 in 1982) provided chart visibility. After a brief touring cycle the group disbanded in 1982. Cedric Sharpley passed away from a heart attack in March 2012, halting reunion plans, while Russell Bell and Chris Payne announced a new single, "The Torment of Angels", in 2020, signalling ongoing interest in the band’s legacy.
