William Shakespeare, King Lear Review

“This production was specially produced to celebrate...”

Written on: 02/02/2006 by bahjan (5 reviews written)

Good Points
Excellent all round

Bad Points
None

General Comments
This production was specially produced to celebrate Paul Scofield's 80th birthday in 2002. Anyone who thinks increasing age has lessened his powers to engage and enthrall, needs do no more than listen to this production. Although on audio, his presence and personification of King Lear is complete.



The direction and use of sound is subtle, and the supporting actors should not be thought of as supporting, as they all hold their own. The cast is starry but no lovey - Kenneth Branagh, Alec McCowen, Harriet Walter, Jack Klaff, Toby Stephens, and Emilia Fox.



It is fascinating to compare this version with the one Paul Scofield recorded in 1979 for Harper Collins Audio books (ISBN 0-00-104235-1). What is most remarkable is that while the styles of the supporting cast have changed, Scofield's style has remained grounded in reality throughout, proving what a great actor he is.