Dramatis were formed from Gary Numans backing band when he stopped touring in 1981. Members included Cedric Sharpley, Chris Payne and Rrussell Bell. They signed to Elton John's Rocket Label and released their first single; 'Ex Luna Scientia' in 1981. Neither this single nor follow up 'Oh! 2025' charted, but the band did score a minor hit later that year with 'Love Needs No Disguise', featuring Gary Numan on lead vocal. The single reached number 33 in the UK charts.