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Interview
Miles Richardson
By Phil WilmottThe Richardson men have turned the West End into a family business over the last few weeks. If you're quick you can catch the last few performances of Ian Richardson in The Creeper at the Playhouse Theatre meanwhile at the Novello Theatre his son Miles opens as Le Beau in As You Like it, the last play in the RSC's comedy season, a part his dad once played opposite Vanessa Redgrave. I caught up with Richardson Junior during final rehearsals and asked him what it's like being the off-spring of one of our most celebrated actors and why we should care about Shakespeare in the West End.
Q: With your family background was it inevitable that you'd become an actor?
A It wasn't inevitable but it seemed a natural thing to do. If you see someone you are close to enjoying their work, regardless of what they do, its not surprising that you want to emulate them.
Q: Has the family name created opportunities for you?
A It has helped but only in a minor way. It helps to break the ice with directors and other actors if they have worked with my dad. No one makes the connection swiftly, its only when I start to project on stage that the penny drops. I have inherited my father's vocal style, which is no bad thing.
Q: Did you see your father play Le Beau?
A I don't think I was even born when my dad played Le Beau. He sent me a photo of himself in the part, looking rather camp, with a note saying "If you don't play it like this, you will be alright!"
Q: How would you sum up the "As You Like it" story for someone who has little experience of Shakespeare?
A "As You Like It" is about love, first and foremost. So many of his plays are. Shakespeare is a great humanist and he understands what makes the world go round. He also knows that its a very delicate balancing act, which is why his plays are so full of contrasts. Every argument one actor puts forward is counterpoised by another character's point of view.
Q: Is it still relevant today?
A Yes, he speaks to all of us in one way or another. Just look at the allegorical nature of some of the more recent productions put on at the National and the RSC. Its not just human emotion, rage, remorse, love etc. It's about history: wars, occupation, foreign politics, alliances, betrayal etc. When he is considered irrelevant we can kiss civilization goodbye.
Q: Let's say, I've had a long day at the office; are you really telling me that three hours of archaic language and people in silly clothes is going to be as enjoyable an evening as, say, "Mamma Mia"?
A I have some mates in Mamma Mia. See both shows and keep us all employed.
Q: What does it mean for an actor to work for the RSC?
A Working for the RSC is about the nicest job in the biz. It feels like being part of a family. Of course like all families you don't get on with everyone but I've just signed up for the next two and a half years, so it cooks for me.
Q: Is there still prestige about appearing in the West End?
A The West End is always special, like London itself. As for prestige, just look at all the Hollywood stars who come here. To them appearing on the West End stage mean that they have achieved "legitimate" status.
Q: Le Beau is quite a small part, how do you keep things interesting for yourself?
A Le Beau isn't a huge part but the whole thing about ensemble playing is that you get roles of different sizes and that's how it should be, that's the RSC Ethos. It's easy to keep yourself occupied when you have to learn six new parts over the next couple of months.
Q: Why is it important to have Shakespeare in the West End?
A I don't know whether it's important to have Shakespeare in the West End but I would say that we have been very fortunate in the number of very good productions of his plays that have been on in town over the last year. In fact the quality of West End shows is, in my opinion, quite high at the moment.
Q: You were Sherlock Holmes for two years. How did you play the great detective?
A Sherlock Holmes plays you, if that makes sense. His rather twisted sense of humour appealed to me the most. My father has played him as well, I'm not sure but we might be the only father and son combo to have that honour.
Q: What type of show attracts you to the theatre?
A I tend to go and see shows with my pals in regardless of what it is. Its a bit like asking a doctor if he goes to see operations on his day off! You tend to look at it all with a view to the technical aspects.
Q: What do you think about reality TV creating instant stars for the entertainment industry?
A Reality TV is all bread and circuses. If that's what people want then that's what they should get.
Q: Who would you say are today's leading theatre actors?
A I'm afraid I am a bit out off touch with the white hot stars of today. I tend to watch the older actors because experience can teach you a lot about your craft and one never stops learning in this job.
Q: What are your favorite places to hang out in the West End?
A I tend to drop into The Opera Tavern which has a long association with RSC from when they were based at the Aldwych Theatre. I like Groucho's and Two Brydges. Rules for Steak and Kidney pudding, Peid de Teire for special treats.
Q: What's director Dominic Cooke like to work with?
A Dominic is such a lovely man its hard to remember that he is in fact your boss. He tends to leave most of the character development to you but he gives you a very clear picture of the world that they inhabit. The RSC are very generous with rehearsal time which can be a double edged sword. Its easy to over explore a part and loose confidence in what your doing. In short rehearsal periods you don't have time to think about too many choices. When in doubt I always return to my first instincts, which tend to be right.
Q: How can we attract younger audiences to the theatre?
A If the product you put on stage is good you will always grab the younger audiences. We have just finished "a Midsummer Night's Dream" and the joy of watching the sheer delight and the squeals of laughter coming from the audience was reward enough for us on stage. If you can give people a good introduction to theatre they will be back.
Q: Has your father seen your performance? Does he approve?
A My father is very good about seeing my work. He often gives me notes or ideas which I am grateful for. Like I said you never stop learning and he's a good source of advice about Shakespeare.
Q: Did you see "The Creeper"? What did you think?
A I'm afraid to say I haven't, simply because I've been working. I might get the chance to catch a Wednesday matinee if I'm lucky but working from 10am to 10.45pm, as I am at the moment, makes it slightly awkward!
Go and see Miles Richardson in As You Like It, part of the RSC Comedies Season at the Novello Theatre. Book here.
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