Darvill was raised in a creative household. His mother, Ellie, is an actress and puppeteer who worked extensively in live theatre using puppets and masks. She was a member of the Cannon Hill Theatre at the Midlands Arts Centre and toured both the UK and internationally. She also voiced the character Why Bird in the BBC children's series Playdays. Before the birth of his younger sister, Darvill often joined his mother on tour and helped her prepare for performances.

His father, Nigel Darvill, is a professional musician who played the Hammond organ for renowned artists such as UB40, Fine Young Cannibals, Ruby Turner, and Edwin Starr. Darvill attended Bromsgrove School in Worcestershire from 1993 to 2000.

Early Theatrical Pursuits and Education

Arthur Darvill began his acting journey at the age of 10 when he joined the Stage2 Youth Theatre Company, remaining with the group from 1991 until 2000. In 2000, he briefly worked for CITV, presenting continuity segments between children's television programs.

After leaving CITV in 2001, he founded his own theatre company, Fuego’s Men, and began performing in the Midlands at the age of 21. Seeking formal training, Darvill moved to London with friends from his youth theatre days. They settled in White City while attending various drama schools. Darvill trained in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), with additional training in stage combat.

Breakthrough in Theatre and Television

Darvill received critical acclaim for his performance in Terre Haute, a play by Edmund White, which ran at the Assembly Rooms during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His acting was praised in reviews by prominent publications including The Evening Standard and The Observer.

He gained widespread recognition for his role as Rory Williams, a companion to the Eleventh Doctor, in the BBC television series Doctor Who. He also portrayed Reverend Paul Coates in the award-winning drama Broadchurch, showcasing his ability to handle emotionally intense roles.