Shakespeare on Stage: Thirteen Leading Actors onThirteen Key Roles

I thoroughly enjoyed this inside story of the processes of acting and directing which have always been a mystery to me. The author begins each chapter with a helpful introduction to the play and the particular production. (A brief synopsis of each play is included in the back). He then draws on his own intimate knowledge of acting to launch into fascinating conversations with each actor about the complexities of the character they were playing and just what they did to convey their interpretation to the audience. Author and actor discuss together what made that particular production such a memorable one-- whether the period the director chose to set the play in, the costumes and scenery, and even the size of the theatre--and how the reviewers loved and/or hated it. I was especially enchanted by Judi Dench talking about how she at age 26, played 16 year Juliet in the Zefferelli production of Romeo and Juliet, and intrigued by Ian McKellen thoughtfully plumbing the layers of Macbeth's character. The chapter on the production of Henry V in 2003 with Adrian Lester at the time of the invasion of Iraq was especially riveting, raising very contemporary issues about the nature of war.I was not sure I was going to enjoy the book since I had not seen any of the productions it covers. But I was wrong. The interviews bring the productions vividly alive and I came away from Shakespeare On Stage with a much deeper understanding of the plays and an even greater appreciation of the acting profession.

So thoroughly enjoyed this book I immediately bought copies for friends in Australia and California. Julian Curry not only knows his Shakespeare inside and out, but has a huge talent for getting his actors to open up and give their best, as he himself helps them along with his inspiring questions. The fact that Curry is an actor himself and is on friendly terms with his interviewees makes for delightful interchanges. His interviewing style is so easy-going and he knows when to get out of the way and when to add his own insights. As a result, reading this book is like sitting in on a private conversation between people who have a truly unique relationship with the Bard.

This book's greatest asset is the actors who are interviewed about Shakespearean roles they've played, wished they had played, as well as statements from directors of famous productions. We're given loads of insight into how different actors prepare for the same role. And it's important because these are all Shakespearean works, and these interviews illuminate the huge variety of humanity The Bard holds up, as a mirror to nature, as it were.

This book provides unique insight into the world of Shakespeare on the stage. It invites you to eavesdrop on intimate, candid conversations between some of the world's most important Shakespearean actors and the interviewer, fellow actor Julian Curry. The interviews range from the searing intellect of Ian McKellen on his legendary Macbeth to the intuitive passion of Judi Dench on her Zeffirelli Juliet when she was 23. Along the way come absorbing revelations from the likes of Derek Jacobi and Helen Mirren. The author is best known for his hilarious performances on "Rumpole of the Bailey," but he also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and knows his Shakespeare. He has been a friend of some of the interviewees since Cambridge University days of more than 50 years ago. His tone in the interviews leads the subjects to open up and reveal sometimes more than they might have realized. Fortunately, the interviews are not over-edited, so the reader feels seated in the same room as the discussions. This book is indispensable for lovers of Shakespeare and the theatre.

This book consists of interviews with thirteen well-known Shakespearean actors. Each actor brings a comprehensive inside look at what it is like to analyze and then perform as a Shakespearean character. Both the actors and the author are thoroughly versed in their knowledge of the plays. Their expertise makes for very informative reading. The fact that Julian Curry is also and actor enhances his knowledge and allows him to ask fundamental and penetrating questions that enrich the dialogue. The author avoids a heavy, pedantic approach. Rather his style, while serious, is readable, delightful and sometimes humorous. Clearly he and the actors are enjoying the interchange. This leaves us, the audience, with a wealth of new information that entices us to read the plays and look for live performances. Highly recommended.

A fascinating series of interviews. The author/interviewer is both a highly respected actor and a passionate and knowledgeable Shakespearean, so his questions get the very best out of his subjects. Actors are not always great at talking about acting- indeed you often wish they wouldn’t - but here they provide real insights into the plays and productions, as well as genuinely interesting anecdotes. Informative and useful for practitioners, students and theatregoers.