Ian Richardson Remembered

Talking about Ian and We Could Possibly Comment

2011-04-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday, I will be speaking about Ian and the book, at Books in the West, an Independent bookshop, in West Kilbride, Ayrshire.

7.00 pm

Monday, 25th April

A Tribute to Ian Richardson

Ian Richardson, who passed away four years ago, was one of Britain’s top classical actors. Journalist and author Sharon Mail, who was a close friend of his, will be coming to Books in the West with her biography, We Could Possibly Comment, which gives an insight into Ian Richardson’s life through the tributes from more than fifty actors, directors, producers, writers and dear friends.

Here’s what the reviewers say:

"... a charming book" - S E G Hopkin, Remembering a Classicist.

Spectator Magazine

"a multi-faceted view of one of the finest actors of our time... nor can I think of a more touching or suitable tribute to a great gentleman than this book"

Carol Ferguson, Banner Herald, Greenville Texas

"'John Sessions called this book 'a glorious and heart-warming tribute to a superb and much loved actor' I can certainly echo his praise. Highly Recommended."

Scene One Magazine

Speaking about Ian is always a pleasure, and when describing the process of bringing the book into being, I can do so in the confidence of knowing that it has been well received. Here's a review written last week by Ayrshire writer, Lesley Deschner:

"Recently I finished reading WCPC and I really felt as though I'd known Ian. Sharon has produced a well written acknowledgment of the man's achievements and his devotion to those he held dear. The book takes us through the events of his life and work with comments and interviews from many performers, writers and directors with whom Ian worked, giving a very whole picture of who Ian Richardson was.

Sharon's own memories add another level to this, indicating the warmth and welcome bestowed upon those who knew him. Greatly respected by his profession and sadly missed by fans and friends alike, Ian could not wish for a more apt tribute."

Follow this, Kevin!

2011-03-06T14:23:00.001-08:00

It has finally been announced - Kevin Spacey is to take the lead role in the American version of House of Cards, which is being directed by David Fincher.

Regardless of Mr Spacey's acting skills, I can't imagine his performance matching Ian's majestic portrayal of Francis Urquhart - one of the finest performances in TV history.

If you want to see all three series, the box set is currently available from Amazon UK at a knockdown price of £9.93 (what a bargain) and for just a few pence more from Play.com. As far as TV Drama collections go, every home should have a copy of this one.

Here's another taster.

Can Kevin match this peerless portrayal? I couldn't possibly comment!

Ian Richardson 07 April 1934 - 09 February 2007

2011-02-09T02:41:00.000-08:00

Today is the 4th anniversary of Ian's death. It's hard to believe that four years have passed since he left us.

With the passing of time, images fade, but we are so fortunate in that there are so many visual and audio opportunities to keep fresh in our minds what a wonderful actor Ian Richardson was.

The first main section of his career was his time, between 1960 and 1975, with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Although there is almost no visual material available from his host of performances with the Company, it is still possible to obtain DVD copies of him as Oberon (seen above, with Ian Holm as Puck) in Peter Hall's filmed version of A Midsummer Night's Dream and as Marat in Peter Brook's Marat/Sade.

There are a great many of Ian's television and film performances available on DVD from a variety of sources. I strongly recommend getting hold of programmes such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; Private Schulz; The Woman in White (1982); Six Centuries of Verse; The Sign of Four: The Hound of the Baskervilles; Porterhouse Blue; Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy; The Gravy Train; Troubles; An Ungentlemanly Act; The House of Cards Trilogy; Gormenghast; Murder Rooms; Becoming Jane; Hogfather.

These are just a selection of the range of titles available.

And today we are blessed with sites such as YouTube, where you can find hidden gems otherwise not likely to be seen.

One of these is the Drama The Winslow Boy (1989) in which Ian played Sir Robert Morton. The link isn't available, but you can find the whole series on YouTube.

In the meantime, you can enjoy examples such as this:

Genuinely loved and respected

2010-11-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was rather upset to read a customer review of the book a while back, which contended that it was full of 'false praise'.

Anyone who met Ian would know that the sentiments expressed by all the contributors were entirely genuine. Not only was he hugely respected as an actor, but he was also greatly loved as warm, giving man with a huge generosity of spirit. He undoubtedly left an indelible impression upon those fortunate enough to have met him.

Carol Clements was prompted by last week's story about Ian's ashes being placed beneath the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, to recall having met him:

"Ian was such a lovely man. I was working as a make up artist at the time and did a photoshoot with him for House of Cards. Even after all these years, when people ask me who my favourite 'celebrity' was, my answer is 'Ian', without any hesitation - he was such a gentleman.

I particularly remember how he spoke of his wife with such love - it was obvious that he absolutely adored her.

He is still remembered and missed."

Will a New Ghost Walk at Stratford?

2010-11-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

WHEN the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opens its doors in Stratford-upon-Avon this week after its multi-million pound refurbishment, it will contain one very special but unseen addition.

Buried in the foundations, under the front row of the stalls, are the ashes of Ian Richardson who between 1960 and 1975 was one of the outstanding members of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Ian died on February 9, 2007, but his ashes weren’t given their final resting place, by his widow Maroussia and younger son Miles, until November 2008.

Maroussia explained: “For 15 years, Ian played a succession of leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, from Ford to Coriolanus, Prospero to Pericles, with many others in between. His blood, sweat and tears were decidedly absorbed into the fabric of the old theatre.

“After he died, his ashes sat in an urn in my kitchen for nearly two years while I pondered over a suitable place to put them. One of my sons Miles, being in the RSC, I went to Stratford and we did the tourists tour of the foundations for the new theatre. Looking around at the still unconcreted ground, the idea came to me - this was the perfect place. Permissions were sought and given and we placed the ashes just under what will be the middle of row A in the stalls.”

Edinburgh-born Richardson graduated from Glasgow’s College of Dramatic Art (now the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) in 1958, winning the James Bridie Gold Medal. Having been spotted by Bernard Hepton, he went from there straight to the Birmingham Rep, where he took over from Albert Finney as the juvenile lead. While at the Rep and only 24, he played Hamlet to much acclaim.

18 months after arriving in Birmingham, directors John Barton and Peter Hall became aware of the talented young actor and Ian was invited to join Hall’s fledgling permanent Company at Stratford.

The Company boasted Peggy Ashcroft, Paul Schofield, John Gielgud, Eric Porter, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Diana Rigg, Michael Williams, Patrick Wymark, David Warner and Ian Holm amongst its performers in those early years.

Ian rose steadily through the cast, becoming a real star of the Company and was often described as the Gielgud of his generation. He was an absolute master of the verse, of whom Plays and Players critic Gary O’Connor commented, ‘Some are born with silver spoons in their mouths, Mr Richardson was born with the iambic pentameter. He warbles, he flutes, he moans, he juggles, he transposes, stands on his head, lies on his back: whatever he may be doing, the lines ring out with clarity and precision.’

The comment was prompted by his performance as Berowne in the 1973 production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, a role that was highly challenging, but turned out to be his favourite.

He was best known for his virtuosic instrument of a voice, but was the complete actor on stage - bold and inventive and with a superb sense of comic timing. He was also very skilled at talking to and involving the audiences and had an electrifying stage presence.

He starred in the iconic production of Richard II in which he and Richard Pasco interchanged the roles of Richard and Bolingbroke. For a while, when he played Bolingbroke he used to hurl himself from steps onto Richard’s coffin below, making everyone gasp. His performance as Frank Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, a role he reprised several times, is said to have been the definitive one, never bettered in terms of comedic ability.

Ian also enjoyed the ‘honour’ of being the first actor to appear naked on stage on Broadway, in 1965 – though he wore a posing pouch and made sure he only presented a rear view to audiences. That was in the RSC’s award-winning production of Marat/Sade, directed by Peter Brook. In the original production, Ian played the Herald, but when the play went to the States Ian, who was also assistant director, was asked to take over from Clive Revill as Marat.

Ian, being such a physical actor, hated having to spend night after night confined to a bath tub. He was also very conscious of the fact that every time he stepped out of the bath there were was a clicking noise. Eventually he discovered that it was the sound of opera glasses clunking against spectacles as members of the audience strained to see his bare bottom.

He was a generous mentor to the younger actors, highly respected and much loved by cast and crew alike. Few people will forget Helen Mirren’s BAFTA acceptance speech as Best Actress in a Film on Sunday, February 11, just two days after his death. Fighting back the tears, she told of how generous and supportive he had been when she was at the RSC and how she wasn’t sure she would have become the actress she was without his help.

Ian was highly popular with audiences too, and fans often used to walk past his house, some even hiding in the bushes near his home.

For all that he appeared calm and fully in command on stage, Ian struggled with his nerves for most of his years at Stratford. At his Memorial Service in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden in May, 2007, Sir Peter Hall recalled that he used to suffer greatly for his art, very often being physically sick before going on stage.

It was at Stratford, during a rehearsal for The Merchant of Venice, that Ian met fellow Company member Maroussia Frank, who was to be his wife, twin soul and constant companion for 46 years. He was very particular about his appearance and she was going through a scruffy, beatnik phase and it certainly wasn’t a case of love at first sight. But, they soon fell in love and were married on February 2, 1961.

Their first child Jeremy was born in December that year and Miles in 1963. Both boys appeared as fairies in Peter Hall’s 1968 film A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which Judi Dench played Titania to Ian’s Oberon. Jeremy played Mamillius in Trevor Nunn’s 1969 production of A Winter’s Tale at Stratford. Miles, who was in a number of TV dramas in which his father starred, has been a member of the RSC including being involved in the recent run of the History Plays.

After his RSC days Ian concentrated mainly on television and film and had an equally successful career in dramas such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Private Schulz, Porterhouse Blue, Gormenghast, Murder Rooms and Bleak House. He was best known for his portrayal of the duplicitous politician Francis Urquhart in the House of Cards series. It was a role that won him several awards including a BAFTA, and an army of admirers.

The last role he played at Stratford, was Richard III and it was Richard whom scriptwriter Andrew Davies used as the model for Urquhart. The famous asides to camera, delivered by Ian with consummate ease and huge effect, were very much part of that, as were the Shakespearian quotes ‘FU’ used throughout the series.

Ian went back to Stratford in July, 2002 for a week’s run of John Barton’s recital programme The Hollow Crown, with Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Donald Sinden and Janet Suzman. Suzman had replaced Dame Diana Rigg who had been on the Crown tour of Australia and NewZealand a couple of months earlier. Ian took part in a further Antipodean tour the following year and then a five-week run in Toronto, this time with Sinden, Vanessa Redgrave and Alan Howard.

Many people assumed that Ian was a theatrical knight, but although he became a Commander of the British Empire in 1989, the higher accolade was never conferred upon him.

He last performed in Stratford on June 29, 2003 in a poetry recital, the Echoing Green, with Judi Dench. Her late husband Michael Williams had once lodged with the Richardsons and Ian and Alec McCowen were ushers at their wedding.

Ian’s sudden death came as a real shock. He died in his sleep, aged 72, following a heart attack. He hadn’t been ill and had spent the day having costume and wig fittings for a forthcoming episode of Midsomer Murders he was about to start filming.

As well as being an outstanding actor, Ian was a thoroughly dedicated professional, who couldn’t abide sloppiness, bad manners or lack of consideration to fellow performers or crew. He didn’t suffer fools gladly and would make his displeasure known when faced with lack of courtesy or effort in others.

Ian had a great love of Shakespeare and was disdainful of any perceived falling standards in verse-speaking or performance.

If the dizzy heights of the Company from these glorious years at Stratford aren’t reached when Royal Shakespeare Theatre productions get underway again next February, it’s possible that Richardsonian rumblings might be heard from below ground.

Not so Modern Holmes

2010-07-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

This week has seen The Great Detective, Sherlock Holmes transported to the 21st Century in a new BBC Drama series penned by Steven Moffat.

The series has prompted discussions on who is considered to have been the best portrayer of Conan Doyle's Super Sleuth and the main candidates mentioned have been, unsurprisingly, Jeremy Brett and Basil Rathbone. I believe that several actors have been excellent in the role, including these two and Ian and Douglas Wilmer - they have all brought something different to the character.

Ian's portrayal of Holmes in The Sign of Four and The Hound of the Baskervilles has been rightly praised. I suspect he might have been remembered for playing him as much as Brett and Rathbone, had the series of films planned not been halted after the first two had been made - due to Granada putting into action its own plans for a series once the books came into the public domain in 1980, fifty years after Conan Doyle's death.

The American producer, Sy Weintraub, had paid a great deal of money obtaining permission from the Doyle estate to make the films and he took Granada to court, winning an out-of-court settlement and ending his interest in making any more Holmes films. Not only was Ian robbed of the chance of playing the character again, but he also had to pull out from playing the Emperor in Amadeus as Weintraub wouldn't release him whilst the court case was pending.

He did, many years later, have the chance to play Dr Joseph Bell, the man believed to have been Arthur Conan Doyle's inspiration for Holmes, in the series Murder Rooms. And although it wasn't a case of bringing the stories up to date, as has just been done, the series was nonetheless an imaginative way of putting another slant on the Holmes/Watson scenario.

Coming Up

2010-07-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Showing on Saturday night/Sunday morning July 3/4 at 1.05am on BBC2 - Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead (1990) - written and directed by Tom Stoppard.

Cast

Rosencrantz : Gary Oldman
Guildenstern : Tim Roth
Hamlet : Iain Glen
The Player: Richard Dreyfus
Ophelia : Joanna Roth
Claudius : Donald Sumpter
Gertrude : Joanna Miles
Polonius : Ian Richardson

It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's well worth seeing - and of course it's a joy to listen to Ian - and Richard Dreyfuss et al give fine performances.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

2010-06-25T13:16:00.001-07:00

Pre-production is continuing on a new feature film version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Many people thought that Simon Russell Beale was likely to get the role of George Smiley, having received plaudits for his recent radio portrayal of the character. Smiley is, however, going to be played by Gary Oldman. I wonder how close he will come to John Le Carre's Smiley - or indeed to the magnificence of the Alec Guinness portrayal.

Other actors currently listed, but not who they will be playing, are David Thewlis, Colin Firth and Michael Fassbender. Will Thewlis perhaps be Bill Haydon and Colin Firth Toby Esterhase? We'll have to wait and see - or perhaps not. I've yet to come across a remake that has come close to the quality of the original - The Lady Killers, Edge of Darkness, The Wicker Man are but a few examples. In fairness, I've not seen any of these 'remakes' nor do I have any desire to do so - a stance vindicated by any reviews or comments I've seen.

I'm still extremely content to revisit the originals from time to time. And for me, Alec Guinness will always be George Smiley, Ian - Bill Haydon, Ian Bannen - Jim Prideaux, Terence Rigby - Roy Bland and Bernard Hepton - Toby Esterhase.

Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy

2010-04-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

In 1986, Ian played Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, in the mini-series, Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy. Producer, Judith De Paul had been searching unsuccessfully for an Indian actor to perform the role, when she stumbled across a poor quality photocopy photo of Ian (who had hoped to play Mountbatten, but wasn't tall enough). She covered the top half of the head and declared, 'we have our Nehru'.

As part of his agreement to play the role, Ian insisted on being flown to India and sitting through many hours of newsreels and steeping himself in the Indian culture. He came to love the country and its people.

The Indian Government were adamant that there should be no overt manifestations of the rumoured affair between Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten (played by Janet Suzman). However, the actors were able to engender a palpable electricity between the two characters.

For those of us who have watched the drama, the final scene, in which Nehru bids farewell to Edwina, shall remain unforgettable.

Mountbatten:The Last Viceroy was directed by Tom Clegg, and starred Nicol Williamson as Lord Louis Mountbatten and Sam Dastor as Gandhi.

There are contributions from Sam Dastor and Janet Suzman in We Could Possibly Comment: Ian Richardson Remembered , as well as some of Ian's own recollections of the making of the drama.

The DVD is still available from a few sources, such as Amazon UK, Acorn Media and Ciao.Co.UK and scenes from the Drama have just recently been put onto YouTube.

Speaking about the Book

2010-03-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

On Monday, 15 March, I'm driving down to Ripon, where I will be giving a talk about Ian and We Could Possibly Comment - Ian Richardson Remembered at The Little Ripon Bookshop, at 7pm.

The following evening, I will be speaking at the Ripon Writers' Group, who meet from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, in the lounge of the YMCA, Water Skellgate.

I'm very much looking forward to the visit and the two talks and hope I won't be too much of a burden on my hosts, Maggie and Bruce Cobbett. I've been to Ripon once before, but it was only for a couple of hours and it will be nice to get the chance to see more of the city whilst I'm there.

To reserve a seat for the Bookshop talk, phone 01765 606 689.

To contact the Ripon Writers' Group, phone 01423 326 427

Becoming Jane

2010-03-03T00:59:00.000-08:00

The last film Ian was in, Becoming Jane , is being shown on BBC 2 tonight, Wednesday 3 March, at 8pm.

Becoming Jane tells the story of the romantic involvement between penniless Irish lawyer, Tom Lefroy, played by James McAvoy, and Jane Austen, played by Anne Hathaway. In the film, Ian played Judge Langlois, Lefroy's uncle. It's one of the many roles in which Ian portrayed a fiercesome character. It wasn't a large part, but as was the norm with him, a telling one.

Amongst other members of a strong cast, were Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Laurence Fox and Anna Maxwell Martin.

It was filmed in Ireland and that particularly pleased Ian, as he and Maroussia filmed there a few times and always enjoyed visits to the country.

Ian Richardson - 7 April, 1934 - 9 February, 2007

2010-02-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

photo (c) Sam Farr/Bath Chronicle

It is three years today since Ian's sudden passing. He is greatly missed by all those who came to know and appreciate him as a truly great, consumate and inventive actor and a warm, humorous and generous-hearted man.

Many of his great performances can still be watched and he will remain in our hearts and memories.

Evelyn - Play with Ian, on Radio 7, Mon 8 Feb

2010-02-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

There are a series of plays by the late writer, Rhys Adrian, this coming week on Radio 7.

One of the plays, Evelyn , stars Ian and Pauline Collins. By a strange coincidence, the play being broadcast the next day, Tuesday 9 February - the 3rd Anniversary of Ian's untimely passing - is called Passing Through.

Ian starred in the tv version of Passing Through in 1982, with Lee Montague and Rosalie Crutchley. The director was Desmond Davis, who also directed Ian as Sherlock Holmes, in The Sign of Four , in 1983.

Evelyn is being broadcast at 11.15am on Monday, and repeated at 9.15pm on Monday and 2.15am on Tuesday, but doesn't appear to be available on BBCi Player, unfortunately.

A great British programme available on DVD - but only in Canada

2010-02-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was absolutely delighted to learn that the 1984 series, Six Centuries of Verse
is coming out on DVD in April - only to learn that it is being released in Canada.

VideoCanada.CA - Acorn Media

You would think that a series made in the UK and starring John Gielgud, Ian Richardson, Peggy Ashcroft and Julian Glover, amongst others, would be brought out on DVD in the UK. But alas, like many other British-made programmes it is not the case.

I contacted Acorn Media to ask if they would be releasing it on DVD in the UK and was told that there are no plans to do so. I guess I'll have to start saving.

In the meantime, here are a couple of reminders of this wonderful feast of recitation.

Stacy's further memories of Ian

2010-01-18T01:44:00.000-08:00

In response to the Youtube tribute to Ian I highlighted in my last post, I recieved this message from Stacy Keach, who was one of the contributors to We Could Possibly Comment - Ian Richardson Remembered :

Having enjoyed the honor and privilege of working with Ian on Mistral’s Daughter some years ago, I was particularly moved by this video, seeing the great man toward the end of his extraordinary life and career, in all his elegance and charm, his wickedly divine sense of humor, and his restless creative energy. He was the epitome of elegance, forever the perfect gentleman, even when long days of shooting were accompanied by their inevitable emotional toll. Ian was always in the midst of exploring the various behavioral choices challenging his furtive imagination, always eager to discover another, better way of expressing a moment. He was a consummate artist. So many of his wonderful performances are etched in my memory and in my heart. He was a great inspiration to me, and he was truly a great actor.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute with all of us.
Stacy Keach

Mistral's Daughter is well worth watching.

Lovely YouTube Tribute

2010-01-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

'Japlick', who was part of the Murder Rooms series, filmed in 2001, has put this footage of Ian on the set onto Youtube as a lovely tribute to him.

It brings back so many memories to me of spending time on the set of the original Murder Rooms story, filmed in Glasgow. It was a different actor, Robin Laing, playing Conan Doyle and the director was Paul Seed (who directed Ian in House of Cards, To Play the King and Booze Cruise II & III). Paul Marcus, who directed two of the four Murder Rooms stories in the series, The Photographer's Chair and The White Knight's Stratagem and also directed Ian in Imperium: Nero is the director in the footage.

Photos by Maroussia Richardson

The atmosphere in Glasgow was just as lovely as it was in the series.

The singer 'Japlick' used (after asking me for a suggestion) for the footage is Charles Trenet, a favourite of Ian's and by a coincidence, probably not known to him when he chose one of Trenet's songs, was used in what, from memory was the last movie Ian worked on (though it was released before Becoming Jane), Desaccord Parfait.

Guardian Top 50 Dramas of all time

2010-01-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Three of the programmes Ian was featured in have been included in The Guardian's Top 50 Television Dramas of All Time - which includes both UK and American dramas. Top spot has been given to The Sopranos - since I've never seen it, I couldn't possibly comment on it.

Not surprisingly the highest placed of the programmes Ian was in is, at No 18, House of Cards, which has consistently remained a high seller on Amazon UK. Of course, without question I would have made it No 1.

At No 21 is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Smiley's People is at No 17 and I wonder if these two are in the correct order.

Sneaking in at No 46 is Bleak House. A wonderful production and cast, but I remember filming it was rather uncomfortable for Ian at times because he had to sit for hours at a time without a break and he hated the wig he had to wear.

There are certainly some surprise omissions, like Edge of Darkness, I Claudius, the earlier Forsyte Saga with Eric Porter and Fortunes of War being just a few that spring to mind.

Do I think that more of the programmes Ian was featured in should be included? It's all a matter of personal taste, but I would have placed Private Schulz, Porterhouse Blue, Murder Rooms and the unfairly maligned Gormenghast in there.

New Year, New Knights

2010-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 2010

First of all, I'd like to extend hearty congratulations to Nicholas Hytner and Patrick Stewart, Knighted in the New Year's Honours List.

Both were contributors to We Could Possibly Comment - Ian Richardson Remembered .

Nicholas Hytner was one of the first people to agree to provide input, having worked with Ian in his National Theatre debut in The Alchemist, which was sadly his last stage role. Nicholas has worked wonders at the National Theatre and his latest innovation, broadcasting selected productions live around the world, has been such a blessing to so many people who would otherwise not get the chance to see these shows.

I interviewed Patrick Stewart in September 2007, in his dressing room at the Gielgud Theatre, where he was starring in Macbeth. He was extremely courteous and focused and provided a highly insightful tribute to Ian.

2010 already - it's frightening how quickly the decade has flown past.

I spent a good bit of New Year's Eve, having declined invitations to go out, watching the series Strange, in which Ian played a rather sinister Canon. I'd obtained the DVD a couple of months ago and as it wasn't a commercial recording hadn't got round to checking it yet.

Strange, penned by Andrew Marshall, was about a defrocked priest, John Strange - played by Richard Coyle - and his battle against various demons, aided by a nurse, played by Samantha Janus, and side-kicks played Andrew Lee Potts and Timmy Lang. Ian's Canon Black was there attempting to thwart his former charge at every turn, whilst giving dog's abuse to his young assistant, Doddington - played by Samuel Barnett. Ian had some wonderful lines in the series, invariably of the caustic kind.

Here's a very clever YouTube piece, which combined one of the best Rolling Stones tracks ever with visual clips of Canon Black very effectively.

What the reviewers are saying about We Could Possibly Comment - Ian Richardson Remembered

2009-11-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

What the reviewers say:

"... a charming book" - S E G Hopkin, Remembering a Classicist Spectator Magazine

"a multi-faceted view of one of the finest actors of our time... nor can I think of a more touching or suitable tribute to a great gentleman than this book" - scroll down for full review Carol Ferguson, Banner Herald, Greenville Texas

"'John Sessions called this book 'a glorious and heart-warming tribute to a superb and much loved actor' I can certainly echo his praise. Highly Recommended." scroll down for full review - Scene One Magazine

And from Elaine Simpson-Long on her Blogsite Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover

13 November 2009

Ian Richardson Remembered - Sharon Mail

Readers of Random may remember that I wrote some time ago about how, for many years, I had lost my interest in the theatre and, in particular, Shakespeare. I am pretty sure you will have forgotten, why you should remember passeth all understanding, but the two posts are here and here.

Any my reason for mentioning them in this review? Because it reminds me of just how much I missed in those wilderness years. My ex-husband always loved the theatre and Shakespeare and used to attend the Chichester Festival and go to Stratford and he saw some simply marvellous productions and was present at wonderful performances by individual actors. I missed them all and when I read this memoire of Ian Richardson, who died two years ago, I began to feel aggrieved all over again that I did not see this superb actor on stage. It is clear from the memories of his fellow actors and those producers he worked with, that he was 'a consummate actor' this phrase popping up over and over again, with a magnificent speaking voice which could mesmerise the listener.

I only know Ian Richardson from television, but my two main memories are of him in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and House of Cards and I suppose if those two are to be my personal remembrance, then I could hardly pick better.

When I first watched Tinker, Tailor it was shown on a Monday night and every Sunday they repeated the previous week's episode so that viewers could catch up and remind themselves of the intricacies of the plot (no i-player around in those days) and boy did we need it. The intrigues and labyrinthine double dealings and counter plots meant that you really had to be alert and I remember one night sitting down and taking the episode step by step to fully understand what was happening. Ian played Bill Haydon, a member of MI5 and he was smooth and elegant and charm personified. George Smiley, superbly played by Alec Guinness, had to find out who the mole was at the 'Circus' and as we watched each character being investigated and uncovered, it was impossible to guess who was the traitor. The standard of acting in this series was extraordinarily high, how could it fail to be with such a cast, and it is available on DVD - I have it and last year I watched it again and though it is now some 30 years old it is still as superb as ever. There is one pivotal scene between Guinness and Richardson which I have watched over and over again so lost in admiration am I at the interplay between these two magnificent British thespians. I am being very careful not to give away the plot here, as I so want those of you who have never seen this series to get hold of it and watch.

And so we come to The House of Cards. The opening shot of the first episode had Ian Richardson, playing an MP, Frances Urquhart, sitting at his desk. The camera is behind him looking over his shoulder and he holds at a photograph of Mrs Thatcher. He puts the photo into a desk drawer, turns his face to the camera and us and says "Nothing lasts forever. Even the longest, the most glittering reign must come to an end one day". Then he smiles coldly.

Now that was a simply stunning opening, but then the most amazing stroke of luck for the producers of this series, at least from their point of view, not sure that Mrs Thatcher who resigned just a few weeks after the show started, would agree, but this seismic political event was a case of fiction becoming reality and it just caught the imagination. Ian's character, Frances Urquhart and his wife (the two Macbeths) coldly and clinically planned his ascent to the office of Prime Minister, ruthlessly dispatching anyone who got in their way. It was television of the highest order and just so exciting that it had you on the edge of your seat. Susannah Harker played a young, susceptible journalist who becomes sexually involved with Urquhart and who he chose to disseminate carefully placed information. HIs response to any question 'You might say that Mattie, I could not possible comment' became the catchphrase of the year and, in fact, has now passed into general usage and was part of our family's collection of in house jokes and day to day comment for years. It comes as no surprise to me when reading this section, that I discovered this line was actually put in the script by Andrew Davies - yes the ever present and ubiquitous scriptwriter and producer of Pride and Prejudice amongst many others.

Though these two examples may be my poor attempt at an appreciation of this wonderful actor, at least they are two that show him at the top of his form and his capabilities. I just have to regret that I never saw him as Richard II or the Government Inspector or Ford in the Merry Wives of WIndsor and other roles that are too long for me to list here and be happy that I saw him as Haydon and Urquhart.

When reading a biography, though this is in no way a full life, the character of the subject has a habit of slipping through between the lines. An author can only say so much about the person they are writing about, but quotes and sayings and comments actually spoken by their subject, give the real person away. Ian Richardson married his beloved wife Maroussia in 1961 and was devoted to her to the day he died.

They were inseparable and when he saw her after an absence of a few hours, he greeted her as if she had been away for months. She loved him, took care of him and he relied upon her totally. He adored her and because of this security and love he was able to give of his best on the stage, he was thoughtful and helpful to young actors, took direction with grace and charm and, though he could cuss and swear and lose his temper with the best of them, he was lovable and much loved.

In fact, my main impression is that he was a warm hearted and kind man. To me, kindness is the greatest of the virtues and I can think of no higher compliment than to say this about this wonderful actor.

I thank Sharon for sending me a copy of her book - I am most grateful to her.

Ian as Berowne

2009-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Joe Cocks Studios Collection @ Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

When The Essential Shakespeare Live: The Royal Shakespeare Company in Performance audio CD, produced by the British Library, was released in 2005 it was a source of dismay to me. Why? Because Ian Richardson, a star for the Company for 15 years, was practically ignored in it.

However, a further compilation, unsurprisingly called The Essential Shakespeare Live Encore has just been released and includes a recording of Ian as Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost.

Here's what actor Nickolas Grace had to say in the book about Ian's performance in the role:-

"It was one of the greatest things I've ever seen because that was the real vocal pyrotechnics. He did the whole thing at about a hundred miles an hour. It was like an express train - he did it really rapidly but you could hear every single word and he got a clap after the first speech. It was staggering."

And Garry O'Connor in his review in Plays and Players in October 1973:-

"His Berowne is the essence of boyish exuberance. His resources of optimistic goodwill appear endless. Some are born with silver spoons in their mouths, Mr Richardson was born with the iambic pentameter. He warbles, he flutes, he moans, he juggles, he transposes, stands on his head, lies on his back: whatever he may be doing, the lines ring out with clarity and precision."

Needless to say, I've ordered my copy!

The Essential Shakespear Live: Encore

We Could Possibly Comment - First newspaper review

2009-11-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Here is an abridged version of the first review of the book in a publication.

Reproduced by kind permission of the Herald-Banner, Greenville, Texas :-

01.11.2009

Carol Ferguson

"Friends could possibly comment — and do — on beloved British actor"

In this country we knew him through television’s “Masterpiece Theatre” and from the Grey Poupon mustard commercials.
In Britain he is well remembered for his roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His friends and co-workers cherish the memory of a kind and thoughtful man.
He is the late Ian Richardson, the subject of a wonderfully edited new book, “We Could Possibly Comment — Ian Richardson Remembered,” by Sharon Mail, author, freelance writer and fellow Scot.
The book’s title comes from PBS’s witty political satire “House of Cards” (Masterpiece Theatre) in which Richardson starred as Francis Urquhart, a conniving, ruthless Member of Parliament who eventually becomes prime minister. Repeatedly throughout the series he looked at another character and slyly said, “You might well think that; I couldn’t possibly comment.”
His remark became so well known during the run of the show that former Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair are said to have jokingly repeated it to others.
Sharon Mail, who had known Richardson and his wife for some years before the actor’s unexpected death in February 2007, realized there were many people who could indeed comment on his life and career. Rather than write the traditional biography — he was born here, studied there, starred in such-and-such — Mail chose to contact more than 50 actors, directors, producers and friends and collect their reminiscences of this remarkable man.
The resulting book is a multi-faceted view of one of the finest actors of our time.
American filmgoers and TV fans will find familiar names among those who contributed to the book: Academy Award winners Judi Dench and Helen Mirren; Stacy Keach, David Suchet, Ian McKellen, Charles Dance, Joanne Woodward, and Brian Blessed. Also included are Richardson’s own comments on Paul Newman and on Johnny Depp who appeared with him in “From Hell” (2001).
• Judi Dench provided a humorous story dating back to the early 1960s when Richardson and Dench’s late husband, Michael Williams, were appearing in a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in London. “Part of the set was a huge tree in the middle of the stage and Ian and Michael set up a small bar inside it,” Dench writes. “There are large chunks of the play when Oberon (Ian) and Puck (Michael) do not appear, and it is these times that they spent in the ‘tree’ in the ‘bar.’”
• Paul Seed, director of “House of Cards,” recalled, “He was also huge fun to work with. We laughed an awful lot — often too much.”
• Actress Juliet Stevenson assessed his impact on the profession: “Ian was a really brilliant actor in a kind of mould that I’m not sure is going to go on existing.”
• Stacy Keach recalled working with Richardson in the TV production of “Mistral’s Daughter”: “I had to pinch myself a couple of times. I could hardly believe that I was actually working with one of my acting heroes.”
Co-workers and fans remember Richardson’s distinctive voice, which no viewer who watched him in “House of Cards” could ever mistake:
• Helen Mirren: “He had the most extraordinary voice — bell-like and with the most incredible internal power.”
• Ian McKellen: “He was most famous for his voice, which could mellifluously flute or bellow — an instrument that any Lear would envy.”
Mail’s book also illustrates his warmth and generosity in mentoring young actors at the beginning of their careers.
• Helen Mirren: “Ian was the most generous of men. I remember early on, I played a scene with him and he maneuvered it so that I would get all the laughs I could get. And if I wasn’t getting them he would teach me. Also, he would wait and make sure that I got my exit round of applause — something not all actors would do.”
• Christine Andreas who played Eliza Doolittle to Richardson’s Henry Higgins in the 20th anniversary Broadway revival of “My Fair Lady”: “From the first moment of meeting, he was generous and the most gentlemanly man I had ever met...I had a year of gallantry with Ian Richardson that I will never forget.”
We in the stage and screen audience had too few unforgettable years watching Richardson in his prime.
“His ashes were placed into the foundations of what will be the front row of the stalls of the rebuilt Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon Avon, which is due to reopen in 2010,” wrote the author, in conclusion. “I can’t think of a more touching or suitable resting place.”
Nor can I think of a more touching or suitable tribute to a great gentleman than this book.

“We Could Possibly Comment, Ian Richardson Remembered,” a picture-packed book by Sharon Mail, is available at this Web site: http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=894 which pulls up the book and has a “click to add to basket” icon at the bottom.

Carol Ferguson is a feature writer for the Herald-Banner.

House of Cards Remake - I Couldn't Possibly Comment

2009-10-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

If it were April Fool's Day I would believe the story I've just read online American director to remake House of Cards .

Not only is director Fincher going to attempt to remake a series that was well nigh flawless, but he is also going to set in the US. And even more unimaginable - if the stories are to believed - he is making it as a one-hour drama.

He might very well think it's a good idea, but I've yet to come across a remake of any contemporary drama that has come close to being anywhere as good as the original.

Me thinks there will be great rumblings under the foundations of the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford where Ian's ashes have been placed.

If anyone wants to see House of Cards - in America or anywhere else - I suggest they stick to the original!

An example of the Legacy Ian has left behind

2009-10-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we let technology take over our lives and keep us distracted from doing the things we ought to be doing.

But it has also made so much more accessible to all. People are able to find rare treasures they have been seeking - via Amazon, or Ebay - or freely available through sites such as YouTube.

One such treasure which is increasingly finding its way onto YouTube, is the wonderful series from 1984, Six Centuries of Verse. Introduced by the great John Gielgud, with Peggy Ashcroft, Ian, Julian Glover and Isla Blair amongst the readers.

A recent addition I stumbled across, is Ian's reading of Mathew Arnold's Dover Beach. The sound quality isn't great and the picture quality very poor. But, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and be seduced by Ian's delivery.

Reaction to the book

2009-09-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've had some terrific feedback for We Could Possibly Comment - Ian Richardson Remembered , which was published a month ago.

The book was written to give people a sense of what Ian meant to so many people - to some as an introduction to the actor, but more particularly as a memento for those who worked with him, admired him through having seen his work, or came to adore him through having known him.

Ian Richardson undoubtedly enriched the lives of a great many people and as just one of those whose lives were transformed by the privilege of getting to know him - and his wife Maroussia - and become their friend, it was my way of trying to say 'thank you'.

Undoubtedly, the writer of a book is too close to it to guage how it will be perceived by others - I just hoped that, having done my best, it would achieve its aim. And it has been heartwarming to have received a great deal of positive vibes from those who have read it - many of whom are grateful that a book on Ian has at last been published.

In my first blog on this new, dedicated site, I have been given permission to share the contents of an EMail I received this morning from Lucy Jaffe, from Long Island, NY:

Dear Ms. Mail,

I'd like to borrow the title from your new book to “comment” on how informative and enjoyable it is!

I've been an admirer of Ian Richardson's work for over 25 years. It was a real pleasure to re-live so many of his performances through the eyes of his colleagues and (very articulate) fans. Your own recollections of your friendship with Mr. Richardson and his wife provided a smoothly flowing framework for the reminiscences of so many actors and associates.

After finishing the book, my husband and I "toasted" his greatness, metaphorically speaking, by re-watching "Private Schulz" and "Murder Rooms”. Mr. Richardson's performances were so rich, both verbally and physically - from his deliciously infuriated pronunciation of the word "swine!" in "Schulz" to the delicate foot he turned away from the "life-giving sun" in "The Woman in White." His meticulous attention to seemingly small details allows us to discover new moments of expert characterization each time we watch him. His ability to switch from hilarious comedy to dark drama in an instant is always fascinating to see.

It was also lovely to read that he was a person of exceptional intelligence, warmth, and graciousness. I was particularly touched by how kind he was to his fans. I'm sorry I never wrote to him and missed out on an opportunity to have, perhaps, a rewarding correspondence with an actor I greatly respected. He might have found it amusing that my first dog was named Marat – he had a skin condition when we found him and didn’t respond much (a “dogatonic”) as he sat in the tub while being bathed. I was reading the “Marat/Sade” at the time and the name seemed to suit him.

Thanks, again, for putting Mr. Richardson back into the spotlight he so richly deserves.

A response like the one above from Lucy, makes it all worthwhile.