Originally trained as a painter, he studied art at Chelsea Art School
and London University and taught in his hometown of Northhampton after
spending time in the RAF Medical Corps. He was a performer with the
Children's Theatre Company and was involved in several productions in
London's West End, including two years in "Alibi For a Judge."
Played the role of the Narrator in the original London production of
"The Rocky Horror Show."
Eight years after playing the role of Jonas Oldacre in The Norwood Builder (1985), Adams would return to the story as the non-canon character of Mr McFarlane in the 1993 BBC Radio 4 production, starring Clive Merrison as Holmes.