a spotlight on: sir simon russell beale

Tony award-winning Best Actor Simon Russell Beale takes you through his critically-acclaimed acting career; including how he approached each iconic Shakespearean role, who inspired him to join the industry, and where he learnt his craft. You’ll also hear Simon's first-hand insight into rehearsal techniques used by directors Sam Mendes and Nick Hytner.

Simon was educated at St Pauls Cathedral Choir School and Clifton College in Bristol. After graduating with a first in English at Cambridge University he began training as an opera singer before he turned to acting. He started his theatrical career at The Royal Court, and went on to the Royal Shakespeare Company for 8 years. Since then, he has spent 20 years at The National Theatre. Not only has Russell Beale performed all over the world, he has also appeared in award winning TV and film. Russell Beale has presented many BBC programmes about classical music. In 2019 he was appointed a Knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to the Arts.