He also appeared in movies such as Florence Foster Jenkins, The Theory of Everything, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Rush.

[3] McKay subsequently halted his concert career[5] and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to study acting.

McKay's television appearances include portraying conductor Pierre Monteux in the BBC TV production Riot at the Rite (2005).

[7] In this, his second film and first lead role, McKay received critical praise for his performance as Orson Welles.

[8][9][10][11] McKay has recently been seen in the biographical drama Rush, alongside Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, the BAFTA-nominated music film Northern Soul, and the Oscar-winning biographical drama The Theory of Everything, alongside Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.