You may not know this -- why should you? -- but as a teenager I had huge ambitions to become a great Shakespearean actor. I learned famous soliloquies and practiced them in my room. But when I went to drama school I found out that I wasn't actually all that good at it. No regrets, as I've had a great life doing other things. But I was really delighted to get a chance to read and review Great Shakespearean Actors: Burbage to Branagh, by the distinguished Shakespearean scholar Professor Stanley Wells.
Ranging from the Elizabethan period to the present day, this is a fascinating account of the performances of thirty-nine celebrated actors, with lots of lovely illustrations. Pop over to Extra Shiny and have a look!
