“The Dresser” was not only intensely personal for Anthony Hopkins in returning to his bittersweet theatrical roots, but also for costume designer Fotini Dimou (“Ripley’s Game”) — the real dresser, so to speak.
The World War II-set backstage drama about the symbiotic relationship between an aging English actor, Sir (Hopkins), and his personal assistant, Norman (Ian McKellen), brilliantly explores the tension between approval and rejection.
“Dressers were like personal assistants and looked after the stars in every way,” explained Dimou. “And what I researched is how these companies used to work. They didn’t have designers as such but what they had was a wardrobe mistress or master or the chief dresser, the role that Norman plays, who provides the costumes for the actor/manager, who ran the company.”
“The Dresser,” by Ronald Harwood (who had personal experience as a dresser), first opened in London’s West End in 1980 and...
The World War II-set backstage drama about the symbiotic relationship between an aging English actor, Sir (Hopkins), and his personal assistant, Norman (Ian McKellen), brilliantly explores the tension between approval and rejection.
“Dressers were like personal assistants and looked after the stars in every way,” explained Dimou. “And what I researched is how these companies used to work. They didn’t have designers as such but what they had was a wardrobe mistress or master or the chief dresser, the role that Norman plays, who provides the costumes for the actor/manager, who ran the company.”
“The Dresser,” by Ronald Harwood (who had personal experience as a dresser), first opened in London’s West End in 1980 and...
- 7/13/2016
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
In this summer blockbuster season of franchise overkill and souped-up CGI decadence, it’s not hard to crave the more understated, yet still electric thrill that can be found in watching two performers encircle one another, building in intensity with every exchanged snatch of dialogue, exploring their respective ranges through mere interaction.
The Dresser, Starz’s stately entrance into the original filmmaking game, is an archetypal reminder of what makes those sorts of movies, when done right, so inherently cinematic. Two-handers are a classic of real, performance-driven entertainment, and with the starry one-two punch of Sirs Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins leading this latest take on the Ronald Harwood play, The Dresser goes for the theatric jugular early on, with an extended conversation between steadfast backstage assistant Norman (McKellen) and his boss’s quietly miserable wife (Emily Watson) that effortlessly lays out the main drama.
Norman is the long-suffering yet consummately devout attendant to “Sir,...
The Dresser, Starz’s stately entrance into the original filmmaking game, is an archetypal reminder of what makes those sorts of movies, when done right, so inherently cinematic. Two-handers are a classic of real, performance-driven entertainment, and with the starry one-two punch of Sirs Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins leading this latest take on the Ronald Harwood play, The Dresser goes for the theatric jugular early on, with an extended conversation between steadfast backstage assistant Norman (McKellen) and his boss’s quietly miserable wife (Emily Watson) that effortlessly lays out the main drama.
Norman is the long-suffering yet consummately devout attendant to “Sir,...
- 5/31/2016
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
The play’s the thing in The Dresser. King Lear, to be exact. And whether — apologies, Hamlet — it is to be or not to be. And a pair of Sirs make Starz’ upcoming film adaptation of the Ronald Harwood play a must-see, whether you’re a Shakespeare lover or not. The Dresser follows Sir (Sir Anthony Hopkins), an embittered, once-famous actor whose star has faded to twilight in a local Shakespeare troupe. As Sir’s anger and despair get the better of him — and World War II rages across England — Sir’s faithful dresser Norman (Sir Ian McKellen) tries to ensure that Lear … Continue reading →
The post The Dresser — Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen shine in Starz original film appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post The Dresser — Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen shine in Starz original film appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 5/13/2016
- by Lori Acken
- ChannelGuideMag
Starz has debuted the first trailer for "The Dresser," its upcoming telemovie adaptation of Ronald Harwood's acclaimed play which will premiere on the cable network on May 30th.
Richard Eyre ("Notes on a Scandal," "Iris") directs and Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen star in the film which is set on one night in a small regional theatre during World War II as a troupe of touring actors stage a production of Shakespeare's "King Lear".
With the curtain call coming and the leading man nowhere to be found, it's up to his dresser to keep the production alive. Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire, Edward Fox and Vanessa Kirby also star.
Richard Eyre ("Notes on a Scandal," "Iris") directs and Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen star in the film which is set on one night in a small regional theatre during World War II as a troupe of touring actors stage a production of Shakespeare's "King Lear".
With the curtain call coming and the leading man nowhere to be found, it's up to his dresser to keep the production alive. Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire, Edward Fox and Vanessa Kirby also star.
- 3/24/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Class
BBC America has announced a 2016 air date for "Class," an upcoming eight episode "Doctor Who" spinoff which was confirmed on Friday at the Television Critics Association press tour.
Young-adult author Patrick Ness is behind the series which will be executive produced by Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin. BBC America and BBC Cymru Wales will co-produce the Cardiff-shot series. [Source: Variety]
Grease Live
Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men will make a cameo appearance as a group version of the Teen Angel character to perform the iconic song "Beauty School Dropout" as part of the "Grease: Live" event airing January 31st on Fox. Frankie Avalon played the singular version of the role in the classic 1970s musical. There's also a new featurette for the production which you can see below:
TNT
TNT is making an unprecedent move - planning to cut the number of advertisements during three new 2016 drama series by 50% - roughly 8-9 minutes.
BBC America has announced a 2016 air date for "Class," an upcoming eight episode "Doctor Who" spinoff which was confirmed on Friday at the Television Critics Association press tour.
Young-adult author Patrick Ness is behind the series which will be executive produced by Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin. BBC America and BBC Cymru Wales will co-produce the Cardiff-shot series. [Source: Variety]
Grease Live
Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men will make a cameo appearance as a group version of the Teen Angel character to perform the iconic song "Beauty School Dropout" as part of the "Grease: Live" event airing January 31st on Fox. Frankie Avalon played the singular version of the role in the classic 1970s musical. There's also a new featurette for the production which you can see below:
TNT
TNT is making an unprecedent move - planning to cut the number of advertisements during three new 2016 drama series by 50% - roughly 8-9 minutes.
- 1/9/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Vulture every lightsaber in the Star Wars franchise ranked. Solid rankings actually and I rarely say that about other people's lists ;)
NPR talks to Harvey Keitel about his role in Youth
Coming Soon Trainspotting 2 is officially a go. The entire principal cast returns to reprise their roles. Ready for round two of Ewan McGregor as Renton?
i09 Ryan Coogler may follow up Creed behind the cameras of Marvel's Black Panther (2018)
La Times Directors of Room, Love and Mercy, Brooklyn, Sicario and more discuss nailing crucial scenes
People Sisters "The Farce Awakens". Tina Fey & Amy Poehler are going head to head with Star Wars on December 18th
Interview Magazine talks to Jake Lacy (Carol), our favorite "square" boyfriend at the movies
In Contention Laverne Cox helps with the Tangerine Oscar campaign
Awards Daily the current Bfca scores for several movies. It's always amusing to see how this lines up with their...
NPR talks to Harvey Keitel about his role in Youth
Coming Soon Trainspotting 2 is officially a go. The entire principal cast returns to reprise their roles. Ready for round two of Ewan McGregor as Renton?
i09 Ryan Coogler may follow up Creed behind the cameras of Marvel's Black Panther (2018)
La Times Directors of Room, Love and Mercy, Brooklyn, Sicario and more discuss nailing crucial scenes
People Sisters "The Farce Awakens". Tina Fey & Amy Poehler are going head to head with Star Wars on December 18th
Interview Magazine talks to Jake Lacy (Carol), our favorite "square" boyfriend at the movies
In Contention Laverne Cox helps with the Tangerine Oscar campaign
Awards Daily the current Bfca scores for several movies. It's always amusing to see how this lines up with their...
- 12/5/2015
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The playwright behind The Dresser has said that his 'criticism' of the upcoming BBC TV adaptation was a joke, and that his quotes were "wrongly reported".
Ronald Harwood was previously quoted as saying he was only "happy-ish" with the adaption of his play, which stars Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen and Emily Watson.
At a BFI screening of the adaptation, Harwood had also suggested that he was initially reluctant to make a TV programme, saying: "What I was keen on was it being revived in the theatre... But it didn't happen that way, and then they put pressure on me, and I thought, 'Oh screw it'."
The playwright has now released a statement saying that he was being sarcastic, and he is in fact "extraordinarily proud" of the TV production.
"The truth is that for a lifetime I've been burdened by my wit and intellect and while it doesn't always translate...
Ronald Harwood was previously quoted as saying he was only "happy-ish" with the adaption of his play, which stars Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen and Emily Watson.
At a BFI screening of the adaptation, Harwood had also suggested that he was initially reluctant to make a TV programme, saying: "What I was keen on was it being revived in the theatre... But it didn't happen that way, and then they put pressure on me, and I thought, 'Oh screw it'."
The playwright has now released a statement saying that he was being sarcastic, and he is in fact "extraordinarily proud" of the TV production.
"The truth is that for a lifetime I've been burdened by my wit and intellect and while it doesn't always translate...
- 10/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Last week, Dominic Monaghan sent our nostalgic little hearts all aflutter when he tweeted a picture of his mini-reunion with Lord of the Rings co-stars Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom.
With The Hobbit trilogy now concluded and Peter Jackson having theoretically said goodbye to Middle-earth forever, Monaghan's post got us thinking about the rest of the Fellowship. Below, we take a look at all nine members of the Fellowship and what they're up to today.
Elijah Wood (Frodo)
After Frodo said his goodbyes and departed for the Undying Lands (don't pretend you're not tearing up at the mere memory), Elijah Wood veered away from blockbuster lead roles in favour of an eclectic mix of indie movies comprising the great (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), the good (Everything Is Illuminated) and the ugly (Green Street).
His most memorable post-Frodo role has to be mute, cannibalistic serial killer Kevin in Frank Miller's Sin City,...
With The Hobbit trilogy now concluded and Peter Jackson having theoretically said goodbye to Middle-earth forever, Monaghan's post got us thinking about the rest of the Fellowship. Below, we take a look at all nine members of the Fellowship and what they're up to today.
Elijah Wood (Frodo)
After Frodo said his goodbyes and departed for the Undying Lands (don't pretend you're not tearing up at the mere memory), Elijah Wood veered away from blockbuster lead roles in favour of an eclectic mix of indie movies comprising the great (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), the good (Everything Is Illuminated) and the ugly (Green Street).
His most memorable post-Frodo role has to be mute, cannibalistic serial killer Kevin in Frank Miller's Sin City,...
- 5/18/2015
- Digital Spy
Star Wars: Rebels
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar has joined the voice cast of Disney Xd's "Star Wars: Rebels" for its second season which is currently in production. The series recently wrapped its first season.
Details on which character Gellar will voice are being kept under wraps, but it is said to be pivotal. She'll join a cast that includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, Taylor Gray and David Oyelowo. [Source: The Live Feed]
Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk
Steve Martin is set to join the cast of the Ang Lee-directed "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" for TriStar Pictures. Joe Alwyn is set as the title character and Garrett Hedlund is in line for another key role in the project which begins shooting next month.
An adaptation of the Ben Fountain novel, the story follows a 19-year-old private who survives a harrowing Iraq battle that is captured by news cameras.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Sarah Michelle Gellar has joined the voice cast of Disney Xd's "Star Wars: Rebels" for its second season which is currently in production. The series recently wrapped its first season.
Details on which character Gellar will voice are being kept under wraps, but it is said to be pivotal. She'll join a cast that includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, Taylor Gray and David Oyelowo. [Source: The Live Feed]
Billy Lynn's Halftime Walk
Steve Martin is set to join the cast of the Ang Lee-directed "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" for TriStar Pictures. Joe Alwyn is set as the title character and Garrett Hedlund is in line for another key role in the project which begins shooting next month.
An adaptation of the Ben Fountain novel, the story follows a 19-year-old private who survives a harrowing Iraq battle that is captured by news cameras.
- 3/4/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The first picture of Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen in the BBC's The Dresser has been released.
The actors are starring in Richard Eyre's TV adaptation of the Ronald Harwood play alongside Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire and Edward Fox.
The play is set one night during World World Two as a theatre company puts on King Lear, but with main actor Sir missing and no-one with any idea of where he is, it falls to his dresser Norman to keep the production going - with or without Sir.
Both Hopkins and McKellen have played Lear on stage and are both renowned for their Shakespearean roles, but this is the first time the pair have shared a screen together.
Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, said: "To bring such incredible and world class talent together for The Dresser is testament to Ronald's wonderful play which is as current and...
The actors are starring in Richard Eyre's TV adaptation of the Ronald Harwood play alongside Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire and Edward Fox.
The play is set one night during World World Two as a theatre company puts on King Lear, but with main actor Sir missing and no-one with any idea of where he is, it falls to his dresser Norman to keep the production going - with or without Sir.
Both Hopkins and McKellen have played Lear on stage and are both renowned for their Shakespearean roles, but this is the first time the pair have shared a screen together.
Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, said: "To bring such incredible and world class talent together for The Dresser is testament to Ronald's wonderful play which is as current and...
- 3/3/2015
- Digital Spy
Ian McKellan and Anthony Hopkins have a new effort for Starz and BBC, and The Dresser is now in production.
The made-for-television film based on the famous play is loaded with stars, and is going to be one of the most interesting efforts to come along in quite some time. At least, if the cast itself can be taken as grounds for extremely high hopes. McKellan and Hopkins are perfect for the roles, and the story has proven itself, not only as a great story, but one that holds up over time.
Get all the details below, and make sure you watch out for this one.
Starz, in partnership with the BBC, today announced that production has officially begun on the movie for television “The Dresser,” an adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s play, to be directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal, Iris). The production will film in and around London.
The made-for-television film based on the famous play is loaded with stars, and is going to be one of the most interesting efforts to come along in quite some time. At least, if the cast itself can be taken as grounds for extremely high hopes. McKellan and Hopkins are perfect for the roles, and the story has proven itself, not only as a great story, but one that holds up over time.
Get all the details below, and make sure you watch out for this one.
Starz, in partnership with the BBC, today announced that production has officially begun on the movie for television “The Dresser,” an adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s play, to be directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal, Iris). The production will film in and around London.
- 3/3/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Wellington, Nz. Perhaps it's the blustery winterish weather outside and the relative warmth and stillness inside the vast, canvas-covered tent/structure that give Sir Ian McKellen comfort. Maybe it's the lure of craft services dessert that give him cause to stay. Or maybe the venerable thespian is just in an introspective mood. Whatever the cause, as wind howls outside and various members of the "Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" crew scurry in and out of the door, accompanied by chilly gusts and intruding drizzle, McKellen holds court with a small group of reporters for nearly 45 minutes. Some of that time is spent on The State of Gandalf and the events that may or may not be on-tap for the third installment of Peter Jackson's second Tolkien-based trilogy, but far more of the interview is dedicated to deep reflection, delivered in the same authoritative and sonorous tone...
- 11/24/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Sir Ian McKellen celebrates his 75th birthday today (May 25), and what better way to pay tribute to the great man himself than with a collection of his greatest roles.
McKellen has come a long way since starting his acting career at Bolton Little Theatre, with his roles stretching across stage, film and television. Here are eight memorable McKellen roles that are essential viewing…
Macbeth (1976)
McKellen began his career in theatre, nabbing roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. He memorably tackled the titular role in Trevor Nunn's Macbeth, starring alongside Judi Dench in a critically-lauded production. Below you can see a clip of his brilliant delivery of "tomorrow, and tomorrow…", while here is a great analysis of the text, which Michael Fassbender watched on repeat to perfect young Magneto's voice in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Richard III (1995)
Director Richard Loncraine teamed up with McKellen...
McKellen has come a long way since starting his acting career at Bolton Little Theatre, with his roles stretching across stage, film and television. Here are eight memorable McKellen roles that are essential viewing…
Macbeth (1976)
McKellen began his career in theatre, nabbing roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. He memorably tackled the titular role in Trevor Nunn's Macbeth, starring alongside Judi Dench in a critically-lauded production. Below you can see a clip of his brilliant delivery of "tomorrow, and tomorrow…", while here is a great analysis of the text, which Michael Fassbender watched on repeat to perfect young Magneto's voice in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Richard III (1995)
Director Richard Loncraine teamed up with McKellen...
- 5/25/2014
- Digital Spy
The winter chill may still be in the air but the theater season hasn’t cooled down too much; an extension has been granted for the Patrick Stewart/Ian McKellen Pinter-Beckett duo on the Great White Way, the Mark Rylance Shakespeare plays recently entered the top 10 weekly Broadway grossers (an astonishing feat for classic plays), Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh will take on Off Broadway’s Public Theater with a new play by frequent collaborator Scott Z. Burns to star Chloe Grace Moretz (Carrie), and lots more big stars are soon to be touching down.
Daniel Radcliffe will return to NYC...
Daniel Radcliffe will return to NYC...
- 1/18/2014
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
When it comes to making movie epics, Peter Jackson is ranked up there with D W Griffith and Cecil B de Mille. He may have at his disposal the kind of technology his predecessors could only dream about, but his cinematic vision and ability to tell a good story on film is as vivid as his distinguished luminaries.
Not only did The Lord of the Rings Trilogy week put Jackson well and truly on the map as a filmmaker to be reckoned with; the movies themselves defined a new Century of cinema excellence. With such a massive screen success behind him, it was only a matter of time before Jackson brought to the screen J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous prequel The Hobbit.
Go back several years earlier to a young Bilbo (Martin Freeman), who, like all Hobbits, is an easy going, affable chap who likes nothing better than smoking his pipe,...
Not only did The Lord of the Rings Trilogy week put Jackson well and truly on the map as a filmmaker to be reckoned with; the movies themselves defined a new Century of cinema excellence. With such a massive screen success behind him, it was only a matter of time before Jackson brought to the screen J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous prequel The Hobbit.
Go back several years earlier to a young Bilbo (Martin Freeman), who, like all Hobbits, is an easy going, affable chap who likes nothing better than smoking his pipe,...
- 11/23/2013
- Shadowlocked
Festival theatre's Angus Jackson to direct Langella in role often called the Ever~est of acting at Minerva theatre in November
Frank Langella, the triple-Tony award winning actor who memorably portrayed Richard Nixon on stage and screen, is to take on King Lear for the Chichester Festival Theatre, it will be announced on Thursday.
The role is often called the Everest of acting and has been played in recent years by Derek Jacobi at the Donmar Warehouse and Ian McKellen at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Langella has accepted an invitation to star in a production at the Minerva theatre in November which will then transfer to New York in the new year.
It will be directed by associate director of the theatre Angus Jackson, who said: "It is tremendously exciting that he's reached a moment to do King Lear and he's going to do it with us, with me and in the Minerva.
Frank Langella, the triple-Tony award winning actor who memorably portrayed Richard Nixon on stage and screen, is to take on King Lear for the Chichester Festival Theatre, it will be announced on Thursday.
The role is often called the Everest of acting and has been played in recent years by Derek Jacobi at the Donmar Warehouse and Ian McKellen at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Langella has accepted an invitation to star in a production at the Minerva theatre in November which will then transfer to New York in the new year.
It will be directed by associate director of the theatre Angus Jackson, who said: "It is tremendously exciting that he's reached a moment to do King Lear and he's going to do it with us, with me and in the Minerva.
- 6/20/2013
- by Mark Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray next week and to mark the fantasy epic's home media release, Digital Spy spoke to Sylvester McCoy - Doctor Who legend and the movie's eccentric wizard Radagast the Brown.
In our interview, Sylvester talks the power of being eccentric, his friendship with Ian McKellen and how he once ended up at a Star Trek convention by mistake...
Before The Hobbit, you'd come close to playing Bilbo in The Lord of the Rings - had Peter Jackson kept you in mind for a role ever since?
"I wouldn't be so surprised - he hadn't said it to me, but I presume that would've been in his mind. He was also a fan of Doctor Who and he's got my costume - he's now got my Radagast costume too, so I'm hanging onto my own clothes like mad!"
The...
In our interview, Sylvester talks the power of being eccentric, his friendship with Ian McKellen and how he once ended up at a Star Trek convention by mistake...
Before The Hobbit, you'd come close to playing Bilbo in The Lord of the Rings - had Peter Jackson kept you in mind for a role ever since?
"I wouldn't be so surprised - he hadn't said it to me, but I presume that would've been in his mind. He was also a fan of Doctor Who and he's got my costume - he's now got my Radagast costume too, so I'm hanging onto my own clothes like mad!"
The...
- 4/4/2013
- Digital Spy
New York — Al Pacino, energized by a conversation that has inevitably turned to the intricacies of acting, is snapping his fingers.
"When you get me on the acting trail, I get on that train," he says, punctuating what he calls an improvised "thesis on time" with staccato snaps.
The 72-year-old may be gray-haired and a little worn, but he remains, like a dancer, always on his toes, and still enamored of the "crazy, crazy, crazy thing" that is acting: "You're always looking for what's going to feed you, what's going to feed the spirit and get you going."
And Pacino is still getting going. Yet the subject of time – how much is needed to find a character (years in some cases, he says) and how it dictates the parts he chooses now – played a large role in a recent interview with the actor at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
"When you get me on the acting trail, I get on that train," he says, punctuating what he calls an improvised "thesis on time" with staccato snaps.
The 72-year-old may be gray-haired and a little worn, but he remains, like a dancer, always on his toes, and still enamored of the "crazy, crazy, crazy thing" that is acting: "You're always looking for what's going to feed you, what's going to feed the spirit and get you going."
And Pacino is still getting going. Yet the subject of time – how much is needed to find a character (years in some cases, he says) and how it dictates the parts he chooses now – played a large role in a recent interview with the actor at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
- 1/29/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
It's not often we get the chance to dwell on short films in these parts, what with so many long ones to fixate on, so it's a rare joy to be able to debut this new trailer showing newbie filmmakers at work in the shorter form. As you know, we're also partial to the odd pun around here so The Joy Of Six ticks multiple boxes. Well, two boxes. Click below to catch a glimpse of Romola Garai and Matthew Holness' directorial debuts, and Peter Mullan, Dame Judi Dench and Luke Treadaway on the other side of the camera. Garai's 21-minute directorial debut Scrubber gives her the chance to step away from the trials and tribulations of Atonement, Glorious 39, King Lear and the like and let someone else (her Crimson Petal And The White co-star Amanda Hale) take the strain as a young mum with a strange obsession.
- 11/8/2012
- EmpireOnline
Actor whose unpredictability never undermined his electrifying talent
Nicol Williamson, whose death of oesophageal cancer at the age of 73 has been announced, was arguably the most electrifying actor of his generation, but one whose career flickered and faded like a faulty light fitting. Tall and wiry, with a rasping scowl of a voice, a battered baby face and a mop of unruly curls, he was the best modern Hamlet since John Gielgud, and certainly the angriest, though he scuppered his own performance at the Round House, north London, in 1969, by apologising to the audience and walking off the stage. The experience was recycled in a 1991 Broadway comedy called I Hate Hamlet, in which he proved his point and fell out badly with his co-star.
Williamson's greatest performance was as the dissolute and disintegrating lawyer Bill Maitland in John Osborne's Inadmissible Evidence at the Royal Court theatre in 1964. It was...
Nicol Williamson, whose death of oesophageal cancer at the age of 73 has been announced, was arguably the most electrifying actor of his generation, but one whose career flickered and faded like a faulty light fitting. Tall and wiry, with a rasping scowl of a voice, a battered baby face and a mop of unruly curls, he was the best modern Hamlet since John Gielgud, and certainly the angriest, though he scuppered his own performance at the Round House, north London, in 1969, by apologising to the audience and walking off the stage. The experience was recycled in a 1991 Broadway comedy called I Hate Hamlet, in which he proved his point and fell out badly with his co-star.
Williamson's greatest performance was as the dissolute and disintegrating lawyer Bill Maitland in John Osborne's Inadmissible Evidence at the Royal Court theatre in 1964. It was...
- 1/27/2012
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
Equity survey finds only 57% of gay actors feel they can be open about their sexuality to their agents
A survey has revealed that gay actors still feel that coming out affects the roles they get to play. Though recent years have seen successful, out actors from Russell Tovey to Ian McKellen playing heterosexual parts like Steve in Him & Her and King Lear respectively, only 57% of the gay actors who responded to the survey, by the actors union Equity, felt they could be open about their sexuality to agents.
One gay actor, quoted in theatre trade paper the Stage, said: "A previous agent of mine once told me to keep quiet about my sexuality and though I am out, I do not broadcast it."
However, 81% described themselves as out in their professional lives and 94% said they did not conceal their sexuality to fellow performers.
Over half of the gay actors who...
A survey has revealed that gay actors still feel that coming out affects the roles they get to play. Though recent years have seen successful, out actors from Russell Tovey to Ian McKellen playing heterosexual parts like Steve in Him & Her and King Lear respectively, only 57% of the gay actors who responded to the survey, by the actors union Equity, felt they could be open about their sexuality to agents.
One gay actor, quoted in theatre trade paper the Stage, said: "A previous agent of mine once told me to keep quiet about my sexuality and though I am out, I do not broadcast it."
However, 81% described themselves as out in their professional lives and 94% said they did not conceal their sexuality to fellow performers.
Over half of the gay actors who...
- 1/27/2012
- by Alex Needham
- The Guardian - Film News
London - There's a Hollywood cast for Britain's Whatsonstage theater awards, with James Earl Jones, Jude Law and Kevin Spacey competing for best actor in a play.
Jones is nominated for "Driving Miss Daisy," Law for "Anna Christie" and Spacey for "Richard III," alongside Benedict Cumberbatch for "Frankenstein," James Corden for "One Man, Two Guvnors" and David Tennant for "Much Ado About Nothing."
The prizes, run by theater website whatonstage.com, are decided by public vote.
Best actress contenders announced Friday include Vanessa Redgrave for "Driving Miss Daisy" and Kristin Scott Thomas for "Betrayal."
In the musical categories, there are multiple nominations for the movie-inspired romance "Ghost" and Roald Dahl-based "Matilda."
Winners will be announced Feb. 19. See below for the full list of nominees.
Watch previews of some of the nominated plays:
The Full List Of 2011/12 Nominations
Best Actress in a Play
Eve Best – Much Ado About Nothing at...
Jones is nominated for "Driving Miss Daisy," Law for "Anna Christie" and Spacey for "Richard III," alongside Benedict Cumberbatch for "Frankenstein," James Corden for "One Man, Two Guvnors" and David Tennant for "Much Ado About Nothing."
The prizes, run by theater website whatonstage.com, are decided by public vote.
Best actress contenders announced Friday include Vanessa Redgrave for "Driving Miss Daisy" and Kristin Scott Thomas for "Betrayal."
In the musical categories, there are multiple nominations for the movie-inspired romance "Ghost" and Roald Dahl-based "Matilda."
Winners will be announced Feb. 19. See below for the full list of nominees.
Watch previews of some of the nominated plays:
The Full List Of 2011/12 Nominations
Best Actress in a Play
Eve Best – Much Ado About Nothing at...
- 12/2/2011
- by AP/The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
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