JosephInterviews

Flip from the forum, while browsing the RSC website, spotted that Joseph had signed up to the Stand Up for Shakespeare campaign (page 11).

Joseph Millson Actor

The Independent On Sunday magazine ran a full page interview and photo of Joseph today. Thanks to Joseph for letting us know. I scanned the article and have added the large version to the galleries. 

Here is the second part of the interview! Interesting news about his new project!

Section C – Much Ado specific

Your portrayal of Benedick had the critics raving – how did you put together your take on such a well known character ? 

We had a long rehearsal – maybe too long. I just played and explored each scene for itself, tried not to worry about the picture, the arc of the story too much. That’s for the audience to see. Stole as much as I could from other Benedicks ! 

You played Benedick for over six months – what did you do to keep the character fresh ? 

Kept trying new things – within reason. Tuned in to the very different atmosphere that each audience brings every night. Concentrated on the other actors.

Joseph has been exceptionally kind in answering a few (ok more than a few) interview questions put to him by website member Susannah.  Part 1 posted today and Part 2 will be tomorrow. A huge thank you to Joseph for doing this for us.

Section A – Quick Fire Round ….ten starters

Latest Film you saw  Casino Royale – sadly. 

Last Book you read Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins by Rupert Everett

Best book(s) ever  Nightmare Question ! Ummmmm…… Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde) or  David Copperfield (Charles Dickens)

Most coveted part (in a play or film)  Archie Rice in The Entertainer by John Osborne. I’ll have to wait for a few years. 

Role model / hero / heroine My Father 

A Guide To Flirting

by Tamzin Lewis  October 2006

It is a double act on the stage and in the dressing room. Tamsin Greig and Joseph Millson are Shakespeare’s witty cynics Beatrice and Benedick in a sultry Much Ado About Nothing. And lengthy RSC rehearsals for the play have clearly forged a strong friendship between the two.
 

Tamsin says: “We had quite a lot of time to spend on the Beatrice and Benedick relationship, which was great. We had to get the back story of what had gone on between the two of them. And we had lots of opportunity to go down blind alleys and cul-de-sacs and get it wrong.”