Shakespeare on Stage: Thirteen leading actors on thirteen key roles
Julian Curry
Judi Dench talks about her acclaimed Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1960 production; Ian McKellen whose Macbeth at the RSC in the 1970s is still considered iconic; Helen Mirren who has played Cleopatra three times; Kevin Spacey bringing an American perspective to playing Richard II; and Jude Law on his Hamlet, which was a hit in the West End and on Broadway in 2009. Also interviewed are Brian Cox, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Hall, Derek Jacobi, Adrian Lester, Tim Pigott-Smith, Patrick Stewart and Penelope Wilton. Each actor talks through their role, scene by scene, with refreshing candour and in forensic detail. The result is a mini masterclass in playing that role, aimed at other actors, students of Shakespeare, and audiences of the plays. Together, the interviews give the most comprehensive picture yet of these thirteen characters, and how thirteen of the world’s greatest actors have brought them thrillingly to life.
