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Fortitude, emotional intelligence and wit – the defining qualities of Simon Russell Beale

The Shakespearean actor has taken on 18 of the great roles since his first gig at the RSC in 1985 and recalls them with insight, sensitivity and a sharp passion for language

30 November 2024

9:00 AM

30 November 2024

9:00 AM

A Piece of Work: Playing Shakespeare and Other Stories Simon Russell Beale

Abacus Books, pp.288, 25

The path to National Treasureland is no paved highway. Simon Russell Beale, the finest classical actor of his generation, was nearly lost to academia (he swerved a PhD in Victorian literature), and faced down pigeon-holing from an agent who wanted to change his name to Simon Beagle, the better to capitalise on a knack for dopily jolly comedy roles.

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