Synopsis:

Drawing on a lifetime's experience of playing Shakespearean roles, Oliver Ford Davies offers practical advice to actors, directors and drama students on a wide variety of scenes, characters, speeches and individual lines from almost every one of the plays. The three core sections of Performing Shakespeare take us through the whole process of preparation, rehearsal and performance, preceded by discussions of the Elizabethan actor and Shakespeare's language. Also included are revealing interviews with other notable Shakespearean actors including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Harriet Walter, Simon Russell Beale and Juliet Stevenson.

'It would be a mistake to assume that this terrific book is purely for those who tread the boards. It should be read by anyone who wants to understand more about the Bard, his players, his times and today's interpretations of his stupendous creations... A great book for anyone who loves the theatre.' — Observer