Front Row Dress Circle

I have just noted the death, at age 86, of one of the theatre’s towering giants…British stage actor Paul Scofield. He died at hospital yesterday, Wednesday, near his home in the south of England after a long battle with leukaemia.

A legend in theatrical circles, a quiet and unassuming man who preferred to go home to his wife and children after a performance rather than hit the town, he shunned the celebrity spotlight and coveted his privacy away from the stage. Whilst he will never be forgotten for the roles he brought to life on the stage, he will also be remembered for winning Best Actor Academy Award for his memorable portrayal of Sir Thomas Moore in the 1960’s film A Man for All Seasons.

He was hailed as the natural successor to Laurence Olivier, I prefer to think he was even better an actor than the great man. His face, full of character, presented a kind wearied majesty that so well suited his Shakespearean roles. So many other actors revered him, few could come close to matching his ability and stage presence.

Actor Richard Burton, once regarded as the natural heir to Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud at the summit of British theater, said it was Scofield who deserved that place. “Of the 10 greatest moments in the theatre, eight are Scofield’s” he said.

In an industry where celebrity is everything to most stars and the line between public and private life often blurred, Paul Scofield wore his private life as suit of armour, sometimes needing to be coaxed out into public but refusing to consider himself a recluse. He was awarded the Companion of Honour by the Queen in 2001 - only 65 people living have been bestowed this award.

I suggest that young people today who wish to learn the craft get their hands on any film of his and see exactly how it is done…he appeared only rarely in films and I highly recommend Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 film adaptation of Henry V in which Scofield had the role of the King of France.

Paul is survived by his wife and children. Vale Paul.

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