A Piece of Work
Playing Shakespeare and Other Stories
(Author) Beale Simon Russell Simon Russell Beale'Extraordinary. A fabulous read' SIMON SCHAMA 'Wonderful. He writes with eloquence and wit' NICHOLAS HYTNER 'Fascinating' EIMEAR McBRIDE Simon Russell Beale is one of Britain's most recognisable and well-loved actors. He has played many roles on stage, film, television and radio - ranging from Winston Churchill to Stalin, George Smiley to King Arthur. But ever since his appearance at school as a glamorous Desdemona, complete with false eyelashes that rendered him half-blind, he has been captivated by Shakespeare. In A Piece of Work, Russell Beale tries to get under the skin of the playwright and find out what interested him. Was Shakespeare an instinctive 'conservative' or, rather, gently subversive? How collaborative was he? Did he add a line to Hamlet in order to accommodate his ageing and increasingly chubby principal actor, Richard Burbage? Did he suffer from insomnia and experience sexual jealousy? Russell Beale describes what it is to approach and live with some of Shakespeare's most famous characters. Some of the actor's inspiration comes from surprising sources. Watching Coronation Street gave him an idea for how Richard III might react on hearing of the death of the two Princes in the Tower; a visit to elderly patients in a local hospital gave him insights into King Lear's descent into madness; and the memory of childhood family holidays led him to a spectacular plunge into an ornamental pool in Much Ado About Nothing. Funny and touching about his family, Russell Beale also writes fascinatingly about some of the supremely creative people he counts as his friends - including Sam Mendes, Nick Hytner, Stephen Sondheim and Lauren Bacall. A Piece of Work is a brilliant account of an actor's life and work - and his relationship with our foremost dramatist.
Beale Simon Russell
Simon Russell Beale
Simon Russell Beale is a highly acclaimed British actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen. He has won numerous awards for his work in Shakespearean roles, including his portrayal of Hamlet, King Lear, and Richard III. Beale is known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, often delving into the psychological depths of his roles.
His most notable works include his performances in "The Lehman Trilogy," "The Winter's Tale," and "The National Theatre Live: King Lear." Beale's contributions to literature have been praised for their emotional depth and intelligence, making him a respected figure in the world of theater.
Simon Russell Beale's impact on the literary genre of drama is undeniable, as he continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and insightful interpretations of classic works. His most famous work to date is widely considered to be his portrayal of King Lear, which has garnered critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
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