Tag Archives: Laurence Olivier

The curse of Macbeth strikes again

Poor Jonathan Slinger, the RSC’s current Macbeth, seems to be the latest casualty of the so-called “curse of Macbeth”. He didn’t acquire his broken arm during any of his dangerous onstage moves but, rather prosaically, by being knocked off his … Continue reading

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Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Henry V, star of England

31 August is the anniversary of the death of that “star of England”, King Henry V. He died in France, where he had been on a military campaign to capture more of the country, in 1422 aged only 35.  If … Continue reading

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Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage, Sources | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Kevin Spacey as Richard III, the “cunning, conniving, charismatic king”

One of this summer’s hottest theatre tickets will be Kevin Spacey’s performance as Shakespeare’s most famous villain Richard III, currently previewing at the Old Vic in London.  In a Radio interview with Spacey and his director, Sam Mendes it’s clear … Continue reading

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Posted in Legacy, Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage, Sources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Shakespearian stars 1: Richard Burton as Henry V

This is the first in a series about actors and their greatest Shakespearian parts.  Henry V is a gift of a part for a young actor. It’s a varied role, particularly if  Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, which show … Continue reading

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Posted in Plays and Poems, Shakespeare on Stage, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments