In 1979, Lewis starred in writer Freddy Anderson's Fringe First Award-winning play Krassivy, which was based upon the life of Socialist school teacher John Maclean. Although he had pursued amateur theatrics, Lewis was 32 when he committed to acting, joining Robert Carlyle's newly formed Raindog Theatre. During his time with Raindog, he performed in plays such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ecstasy, and Wasted. He also worked with the 7:84 Theatre Company on The Grapes of Wrath, The Arches Theatre Company's production of Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party, and starred in One Two Hey by Glaswegian author James Kelman.
