Drawing: Adrian Scarborough in King Lear at The National Theatre

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Adrian Scarborough is currently playing The Fool in Sam Mendes “magnetic and unorthodox” production of King Lear, in repertory on the vast Olivier stage at the National Theatre in London. His “lovely-melancholy” turn has garnered rave reviews as Lear’s beloved Fool who batters to death in what the Times called “a startling innovation”.

“His death in a bath tub is sudden and shocking, an example of the coin spin between comedy and tragedy that Mendes manages so well,” said critic Tom Wicker.

Equally at home on both stage and screen, Adrian has appeared in films such as The Madness of King George, Vera Drake, The History Boys, Gosford Park, The King’s Speech and Les Miserables. On the smaller screen he has featured in Gavin and Stacey, Upstairs Downstairs and even an episode of Dr Who.

Adrian was nominated for two Olivier in 2011 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in the National’s Revival of Terence Rattigan’s After the Dance.

King Lear runs until 2 July 2014.

Drawings: Sam Mendes

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Mark Winter / Chicane

The 29 July 2011 was the press night for Sam Mendes’ Shakespearean production of Richard III at the Old Vic, in featuring Kevin Spacey in the title role. It was also the beginning of a frustrating quest. I drew a quick ink portrait of the accomplished director, hoping to have it signed. But, alas, to misquote the Bard “Now was the start of Winter’s discontent”.

I have carried that piece of artwork with me for the past 2 and a half years to opening nights, closing nights, award nights, premiere nights, nights lurking around stage doors during rehearsals, and days stalking filming of the latest Bond around various London locations. All part of my strategy to secure Sam’s siggy on my sketch. But, to no avail. I lacked the Mendes touch.

Prior to this, I had met Sam on a few occasions. He was always very friendly and happy to sign an autograph. It wasn’t his fault I couldn’t get the sketch signed, I just kept missing him, as I’m sure he would have done so had our paths crossed. Ironically my saviour was another Shakespearean king. This time, Lear, which starts preview on Tuesday (14 January 2014) at the National with Simon Russell Beale. I had succumbed to leaving the sketch with a suitable note and a return envelope at the theatre. It was Saturday afternoon, a cursory glance as I pass the stage door to go into the National’s foyer (which was brimming with matinee audiences). I found a spot, sat down, wrote the note, put it with the sketches and the envelope together inside a bigger envelope and closed it up. Looked up, and there was the man himself walking straight past me. Dilemma! Do I just give him the envelope, or do I rip it open and get it signed in person? Silly question.

Sam is a big cricket fan. In fact, he was an accomplished player in his day, representing Cambridge University. So in cricketing terms, I trapped him in front of the wickets… I mean, the lift. My delivery wasn’t flash. “Saaaaaaaaaam!” He turned, saw me furiously ripping open envelopes and tearing paper out. The connection was made when he recognised himself in my drawing, which he was more than happy to sign as I burbled on about my two and half year quest, that had come to a successful conclusion.

As I had his attention and the lift hadn’t arrived I politely asked him if he wouldn’t mind signing another one – a pencil sketch – while I fumbled through my bag to find it and he was more than obliging. Now, on a cold January day, was the Winter of my content. Plus, I saved a stamp.

Drawing: Kevin Spacey in Richard III at The Old Vic Theatre

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

The enigmatic multi award-winning actor, Kevin Spacey has been the Old Vic’s Artistic Director since 2003. His efforts have been recognised by a variety of accolades, including an honorary CBE from the Queen.

On stage, I have been fortunate enough (without paying a fortune) to see Kevin in two productions at the theatre. Inherit the Wind and Richard III. The latter reunited director Sam Mendes with Kevin for the first time since their successful collaboration in the Oscar winning film American Beauty.

With Kevin in the title role as the tyrant monarch (although his newly found skull, found under a Leicester car park, suggested he did not have the face of a deformed despot, which pleased the anti-Shakespeare/pro-Richard faction) the production began at the Old Vic in mid 2011, followed by a worldwide tour, culminating in a New York season in 2012.

With his other play and at various public appearances such as opening nights, premieres, even Mikhail Gorbachev‘s 80th birthday bash (Kevin was MC) at the Royal Albert Hall. I have always found him a generous and gracious signer.

He even had his own ‘siggy stall’ – a custom built signing window next to the Old Vic stage door, which he stands behind after each performance, signs and poses for pics. However, for Richard III he did not use the protective porthole and did not sign at all. It was probably due to the taxing final scenes in which he hangs upside down for some length of time. It would take a while for him to stabilise into a Sharpie controlling state. So I left the sketch at the stage door with a note and a stamped self-addressed envelope. It was returned to me within the week.