David Sayers
Role: Apemantus

What is the best Shakespeare performance you've seen?

Oh, that's a good question. The best- I don't know, I can't think of 'the best' I've seen. I can think of the ones that made the impression on me. I remember when I was at school we had a trip to the Barbican and there was a production of "the Tempest". I don't know who directed it, I don't actually know who was Prospero. But I do remember Simon Russell Beale was Ariel. A very thin Simon Russell Beale actually, so a long time ago. And Greg Hicks as Caliban. And I remember the very beginning of the play, with Simon Russell Beale standing on a chair, or some sort of platform in the middle of the stage. And there was a light-bulb hanging down. And he just knocked the light-bulb to start creating the storm. So that made an impression on me. In terms of other Shakespeare, I suppose it's been more film. I admire the (Kenneth) Branagh films, especially "Hamlet" because most Shakespeare is cut and Branagh decided not to cut it, and it looks gorgeous. And I've always quite liked Mel Gibson's "Hamlet" (directed by Franco Zeffirelli), and the fact Zeffierelli cast him AFTER watching "Lethal Weapon" (1987) is even better.

Did you have any experience with "Timon of Athens" before this production?

Maximianno Cobra's Selection

Sonnet 12

Thou and you - From Old to Middle English

In Old English, thou was singular and you was plural; but during the 13th century, in Middle English, you started to be used as a polite form of the singular – probably because people copied the French way of talking, where vous was used in that way.

English then became like French, which has tu and vous both possible for singulars, giving speakers a choice.

Maximianno Cobra's Selection

Sonnet 65

James Reynard
Role: Timon

Do you recall what your first ever Shakespeare role was and can you tell us your thoughts on your first performance?

Hmm... have to cast the mind back for this one! I recall a workshop on “Macbeth” at school, but I think my first professional performance was as Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet”. I remember doing what I thought might work, but without much actual knowledge about acting! I think it was very exterior – someone in the cast said “Like a Christmas Tree, lots on the outside, but not much inside!” Anyway, I guess there was something inside as I got some very nice critiques and I learned a lot from the production (I played the same character twice more during subsequent years).

You have been incredibly prolific with Shakespeare in your career, more so than any other cast member. What draws you to Shakespeare again and again?

Maximianno Cobra's Selection

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!