ARCHIVE: King Lear
Thursday 25th December 9pm More4
A new film version of the RSC’s acclaimed production of King Lear, starring Ian McKellen as Lear and directed by Trevor Nunn, forms the centrepiece of a McKellen season celebrating the work of one of Britain’s best-loved actors.
Proposing to divide his vast kingdom between his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cornelia, King Lear devises a test for his offspring to convince him of their suitability for rule. But as the scheme unfolds, Goneril and Regan’s true colours emerge, uncovering a vast conspiracy of greed and cruelty.
The cast from the original sell-out production reprise their roles, including Frances Barber (Goneril), Monica Dolan (Regan), Romola Garai (Cordelia) and Sylvester McCoy (the Fool).
Other plays featured in the season include Othello, also directed by Trevor Nunn, with Ian McKellen as Iago; Richard III, in which he stars alongside Annette Bening; and Macbeth with Judi Dench.
Plus Ian McKellen, Diana Rigg and Zoe Wanamaker are among the actors interviewed in To Be or Not to Be… in Shakespeare, a documentary on the challenge of playing Shakespeare’s great heroes, that accompanies the season.
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