Damian's Dominion: Damian Lewis Performance Details [M-O]

Performance Details: Macbeth

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, is one of King Duncan's greatest war captains. Upon returning from a battle with the rebellious Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth and Banquo encounter three witches. A prophecy is given to them: Macbeth is hailed as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King; Banquo is hailed as the father of kings to come. With that, the witches evaporate into the mists. Both men nervously laugh off the prophecies until Duncan informs Macbeth that he is to assume Cawdor's title as a reward for his service to the king. When Lady Macbeth is informed of the events, she determines to push her husband's resolve in the matter -- she wants him to take his fate into his own hands and make himself king. If Duncan happens to be inconveniently in the way. ...

Macbeth at first is reluctant to do harm to Duncan. However, when Duncan makes arrangements to visit the castle, the opportunity presents itself too boldly to ignore. Pressed on by his wife, they plot Duncan's death. Lady Macbeth gets Duncan's attendants drunk; Macbeth will slip in with his dagger, kill the king, and plant the dagger on the drunken guards. Macbeth, in a quiet moment alone, imagines he sees a bloody dagger appear in the air; upon hearing the tolling bells, he sets to work. Immediately Macbeth feels the guilt and shame of his act, as does Lady Macbeth, who nonetheless finds the inner strength to return to Duncan's chamber to plant the dagger on the attendants when Macbeth refuses to go back in there. When the body is discovered, Macbeth immediately slays the attendants -- he says out of rage and grief -- in order to silence them. Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, both flee Scotland (fearful for their own lives). To everyone else, it appears that the sons have been the chief conspirators, and Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland, thus fulfilling the witches' prophecy. Banquo, however, has suspicions of his own based on their encounter with the witches.

Macbeth knows of Banquo's suspicions and the reasons for them; he is also wary of the second prophecy concerning Banquo's offspring. As he prepares for a celebratory banquet on his coronation, Macbeth hires assassins to get rid of Banquo and Fleance, his son. Banquo is murdered that night, but Fleance escapes into the darkness. As Macbeth sits down to the feast, the bloody ghost of Banquo silently torments him, which causes him great despair. Meanwhile, Macduff has fled to England because he too suspects Macbeth of foul play. Macbeth, once a man of greatness, transforms into a man whose conscience has fled him. Upon learning of Macduff's flight, Macbeth exacts revenge by having Macduff's entire household butchered. Macduff grieves, but joins up with Malcolm in England to raise an army against Macbeth.

Macbeth is given another prophecy by the witches as he prepares for Malcolm's assault. His throne is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, and he will not die by the hand of any man born of a woman. Macbeth feels confident in his chances for victory at this pronouncement. Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, has been slowly driven mad by her dreams in the wake of killing Duncan. She sleepwalks, wringing her hands together, and inadvertently reveals her part in the murder. As the English armies approach, Macbeth learns that many of his lords are deserting him, and that Lady Macbeth has died. On top of this, a messenger brings news that Malcolm's army is approaching under the cover of boughs, which they have cut from the trees of Birnam Wood. Resigned now to his fate, Macbeth grimly sets to battle.

None, however, can bring Macbeth down. Finally, Macduff meets him on the field of battle. Macbeth laughs hollowly, telling him of the witches' prophecy: no man born of a woman may slay him. As Macduff retorts, he was "from my mother's womb untimely ripp'd," meaning he was delivered by a Caesarian section (and hence, not technically born of a woman). Grimly, Macbeth presses on. The play ends with the death of Macbeth; Macduff greets the others bearing Macbeth's head. Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland, restoring his father's bloodline to the throne.

Chronology: Performed at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, most likely sometime between 1989 and 1993.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Banquo; other cast members unidentified; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Read the play online

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1 - Scene 1: Three sinister witches foretell a meeting with Macbeth, then vanish mysteriously.

Act 1 - Scene 2: Duncan, king of Scotland, receives news that his generals Macbeth and Banquo have defeated a rebel army led by the Thane of Cawdor. Delighted, Duncan orders that the Thane's title be given to Macbeth.

Act 1 - Scene 3: On a desolate heath the witches meet Macbeth and Banquo; they greet Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor, then prophesy that he shall 'be king hereafter.' Banquo demands what the future holds for him and is told that he will be the ancestor of a line of kings. No sooner have the witches vanished than emissaries from Duncan arrive to announce that Macbeth is indeed now Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth muses on the witches' prophecy and we learn that dark thoughts are in his mind.

Act 1 - Scene 4: Duncan names his son Malcolm heir to the throne of Scotland. This troubles Macbeth, who hints once more of his "black and deep desires."

Act 1 - Scene 5: Lady Macbeth learns of her husband's promotion and the witches' prophecy that he will become king. Word arrives that Duncan intends to spend that night in Macbeth's castle and Lady Macbeth vows that the king will never leave alive.

Act 1 - Scene 6: The unsuspecting Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle.

Act 1 - Scene 7: Macbeth's conscience is tormented at the thought of the crime to be committed, but Lady Macbeth spurs him on.

Act 2 - Scene 1: The vision of a dagger appears to Macbeth, seeming to lead him toward Duncan's bedchamber.

Act 2 - Scene 2: Macbeth returns aghast, his hands covered in blood-he has done the deed, and after striking the fatal blow has heard a voice prophesying that he will never sleep again. Lady Macbeth dismisses his fears as cowardly fantasies. She tells her husband to smear Duncan's sleeping servants with blood so that they will be taken for the murderers. Appalled at what he has done, Macbeth refuses and Lady Macbeth undertakes the task herself.

Act 2 - Scene 3: The drunken porter of the castle stirs himself to answer loud knocking at the gate, imagining that he is porter at the gates of hell. He opens the gate to admit Macduff and Lennox, Scottish lords who have been summoned by the king. Macduff discovers Duncan's body, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth feigning horror at the murder. The king's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, fearful for their own safety, resolve to flee.

Act 2 - Scene 4: As ominous events are reported, we learn that Macbeth has been named King of Scotland.

Act 3 - Scene 1: Remembering the witches' prophecy that Banquo will be progenitor of a royal dynasty, Macbeth arranges for him to be murdered together with Fleance his son.

Act 3 - Scene 2: Achieving his ambition has not brought Macbeth peace. He hints that he will soon be rid of Banquo.

Act 3 - Scene 3: The murderers slay Banquo, but Fleance gets away.

Act 3 - Scene 4: Macbeth learns of Banquo's death and Fleance's escape. The Scottish lords arrive for a feast and to Macbeth's horror the ghost of Banquo appears among the rest. Macbeth determines to return to the witches and discover what the future holds for him.

Act 3 - Scene 5: The witches meet their goddess, Hecate. She warns them that Macbeth will come to them tomorrow.

Act 3 - Scene 6: We learn that Malcolm and Macduff are in England where they are raising an army to remove Macbeth from the throne he has usurped.

Act 4 - Scene 1: The witches warn Macbeth to beware Macduff but reassure him with the prophecy that no one born of woman can harm him and that he will be conquered only when Birnam Wood comes to his castle at Dunsinane-an impossibility. Macbeth vows to attack Macduff's castle and destroy everyone within it.

Act 4 - Scene 2: Murderers enter Macduff's castle and brutally slay his wife and little son.

Act 4 - Scene 3: Macduff learns his family has been murdered. He and Malcolm vow to vanquish Macbeth.

Act 5 - Scene 1: Hag-ridden by guilt, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks through the castle, speaking of dark deeds done and trying vainly to wash her hands clean of imagined blood.

Act 5 - Scene 2: The forces led by Malcolm are now in Scotland where rebels against Macbeth's rule flock to them daily.

Act 5 - Scene 3: Macbeth knows himself outnumbered yet takes courage from the witches' prophecies.

Act 5 - Scene 4: Malcolm's army is before Dunsinane. He orders that each soldier cut a branch from the trees in Birnam forest and hold it before his body as he marches.

Act 5 - Scene 5: Macbeth learns that Lady Macbeth is dead and reflects that life has become empty and meaningless. As Malcolm's army approaches, news is brought that Birnam Wood appears to be moving toward the castle. Despite this ominous confirmation of the witches' prophecy Macbeth determines to resist.

Act 5 - Scene 6: Malcolm and Macduff prepare for battle.

Act 5 - Scene 7: On the battlefield Macbeth slays Young Siward, one of the warriors in Malcolm's army.

Act 5 - Scene 8: Macbeth is confronted by Macduff, to whom he boasts that he can only be killed by a man not born of woman; to his horror, he learns that Macduff was "from his mother's womb/Untimely ripped." Macbeth knows that the witches have deceived him-nonetheless he determines to battle on to the end. The two warriors exit fighting, then Macduff returns carrying Macbeth's severed head and hails Malcolm as king. In the course of time the Stuarts, descended from Banquo, ascend the throne of Scotland.

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Performance Details: Man Is Wolf To Man

Project type: Cinematic film

Synopsis: Inspired by true events. French Guyana, 1934. A group of six prisoners escape from a French penal colony only to be pursued by a notorious bounty hunter; an adversary who claims the price of a fugitive’s hand as a reward. Rafael, a former Foreign Legion soldier (and the story's hero), has been just been released from a two-year term in solitary confinement. Broken physically and mentally, fate offers him the chance of freedom when he is caught up in a savage breakout. Led by a fellow escapee, Sarchelle, the party set off along a secret trail, Mal Paso San Pedro, which will lead them out of the rain forest and towards the mountains of Brazil. With miles of treacherous swamps, wild animals and hostile natives, the journey promises to be perilous, but the biggest threat to the group will come from within. When Sacha, a young prisoners’ "rent boy", absconds with all their rations, and is found brutally slain minus a hand, the group’s worst fears are realized. La Masque, a notorious, heavily tattooed bounty hunter employed by the authorities, is now on their trail. As they move deeper into the jungle, Rupner, a German profiteer prisoner, chances upon on a secret horde of treasure in a deserted mysterious settlement. Unable to resist, he succumbs to his greed and decides to split, but his actions prove to be his final act of avarice, when later he staggers back to the group, deathly pale and mutilated like the last. Completely unravelled by this, Julek, a former camp "trustee" and coward by nature, announces his decision to turn back; casting doubt on his desire to escape from the beginning. Rafael’s suspicions are confirmed, when he discovers that back in camp Julek was a secret informant in the pay of the guards. Has he been leaving clues to give away their position? Playing them all along to collect a reward? Sensing his life in grave danger, Julek seizes his chance to escape by boarding a speeding train that passes through a remote logging line. Now with their position compromised to the authorities, success is doubtful; they will be lost to the jungle if they deviate from the path, yet to find freedom means a further weeks trek. Weakened by lack of food and exhausted by the heat, Emmanuelle, a shrewd, young girl, sold into prostitution and out for revenge, is alarmed to hear Sarchelle recount the story of a previous escape party’s cannibal pact. Interpreting the subtext, Emmanuelle sexually aligns herself to Sarchelle in a calculated move to ensure her own survival. Now with the group fractured, their nemesis drawing ever closer and the hope for freedom slipping away, Rafael faces a terrible choice. Lose his life, or lose his conscience.

Chronology: In production from September 2010 until (unspecified) in Argentina, Puerto Rico and the UK. Released in 2011 (further release details not yet announced).

Principal Cast & Crew: Vinzenz Kiefer as Rupner; Damian Lewis as _____; Pihla Viitala as Emmanuelle; _____ as Julek; _____ as La Masque; _____ as Rafael; _____ as Sacha; _____ as Sarchelle; Written by Dominic Santana; Directed by Dominic Santana.

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Performance Details: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: When Oberon, King of the fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? A band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous sprite Puck who enchants their leader Bottom and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy, which can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.

Chronology: Performed at Ashdown House School in 1983.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Bottom; other cast members unidentified; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Read the play online

Episode Guide:

Act 1 - Scene 1: In Athens, preparations are underway for the wedding of Duke Theseus to Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. An angry father, Egeus comes to the ducal palace and accuses Lysander of bewitching his daughter Hermia, even though she is already betrothed to Demetrius. Hermia confesses her love for Lysander, and Theseus tells her that according to the law, she must either die or enter a nunnery if she refuses to marry the man chosen by her father. He gives her until the new moon to decide. Hermia and Lysander decide to run away; they agree to meet the following night in a wood outside the city. They tell Helena, Hermia's childhood friend, of their plan; she, however, is in love with Demetrius, who has rejected her for Hermia, and she hopes to regain his favor by telling him of the lovers' intentions.

Act 1 - Scene 2: A group of Athenian workmen, "rude mechanicals" are preparing an entertainment to be performed at the Duke's wedding. They have chosen "The most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisby".

Act 2 - Scene 1: In a wood near Athens, Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies, argue over a changeling boy. Titania has adopted him, but Oberon wants him for an attendant. When Titania refuses to give in, Oberon summons his servant, the mischievous sprite Puck. Oberon instructs him to find an enchanted flower, the juice of which, when laid on a sleeper's eyelid will cause him or her to fall in love with the first creature seen on awaking. He thus hopes to force her into giving him the boy. While Puck is gone, Oberon observes Helena and Demetrius, who have followed Hermia and Lysander into the wood. Demetrius rejects Helena peremptorily. When Puck returns with the flower, Oberon tells him to lay Some of its juice on the eye of the "disdainful youth" whom he will know by his Athenian clothes.

Act 2 - Scene 2: Oberon squeezes the juice of the magic flower on Titania's eyelids. Lysander and Helena fall asleep nearby. Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius and drops the juice on his eye. Demetrius and Helena arrive and Lysander awakes, promptly falling in love with Helena. Hermia wakes to find herself Left alone.

Act 3 - Scene 1: Near where Titania lies sleeping, the "rude mechanicals'' rehearse their play. Puck, who has been watching the rehearsal with amusement, places the head of an ass on Bottom's shoulders. His fellow actors run away terrified. Titania awakes and falls instantly in love with Bottom.

Act 3 - Scene 2: Oberon is delighted at what has happened to Titania, but angered when he realizes that the sprite has mistaken Lysander for Demetrius. To right the error, he lays juice on the lids of the sleeping Demetrius. When the young man wakes, the first person he sees is Helena, and he duly falls in love with her HeIena, now beloved of both the youths, is certain they are teasing her cruelly. Hermia is distraught when Lysander rejects her and accuses Helena of stealing her beloved. Lysander and Demetrius leave to settle their quarrel over Helena by combat, but Oberon orders Puck to send them to sleep. Puck then lays an antidote to the love juice on Lysander's eyelids. Meanwhile, Helena and Hermia fall asleep beside their lovers.

Act 4 - Scene 1: Oberon sees Titania sleeping beside Bottom. He pities her and, on undoing the spell, they are reconciled. Puck removes Bottom's ass's head. Theseus and Hippolyta are hunting in the forest with Egeus. They come upon the sleeping lovers. Lysander explains that he and Hermia were fleeing to evade the Athenian law. Demetrius gives up his claim to Hermia and declares his love for Helena. Theseus then announces that the young couples will be married along with Hippolyta and himself. After they have returned to Athens, Bottom awakes.

Act 4 - Scene 2: Quince, Starveling, Flute and Snug are anxiously wondering where Bottom is when he returns with the news that their entertainment has been selected for the Duke wedding.

Act 5 - Scene 1: After the weddings, Theseus, Hippolyta and the young couples assemble for the entertainment. Bottom and his friends present the tragedy of Pyramus and Thisby, to the great amusement of the spectators. When all have retired her the night, the fairies enter and dance together through the palace, to bless the bridal beds. Only Puck remains, asking the audience to believe that they "have but slumb'red here/While these visions did appear."

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Performance Details: The Misanthrope
Comedy Theatre, London, 2009-10

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: This updated version of the 17th century play takes place in modern-day London. Alceste is a famous British playwright disillusioned and angry with the hypocrisy, shallowness and vanity of the contemporary world. Vowing to reject society, Alceste's plans are derailed when he falls madly in love with Jennifer, an ambitious American film star and darling of the social scene. Jennifer may prove to be Alceste's biggest challenge yet.

Chronology: In rehearsal from November 2, 2009, until early December 2009. Performed at the Comedy Theatre, London, from December 17, 2009 (Press Night), through March 13, 2010. (Previewed December 5, 2009, through December 16, 2009.)

Awards & Nominations:

This production received the following nominations:

2010 Laurence Olivier Awards -- Best Revival
2010 Laurence Olivier Awards -- Best Actress In A Supporting Role - Keira Knightley
2010 Laurence Olivier Awards -- Best Costume Design - Amy Roberts

Principal Cast & Crew: Tara Fitzgerald as Marcia; Chuk Iwuji as Julian; Keira Knightley as Jennifer; Nicholas Le Prevost as Alexander; Damian Lewis as Alceste; Tim McMullan as Covington; Kelly Price as Ellen; Dominic Rowan as John; James Hogg as Messenger / Simon; Original Play Written by Moliere (a.k.a. Jean Baptiste Poquelin); Updated Version Written by Martin Crimp; Directed by Thea Sharrock; Designed by Hildegard Bechtler; Lighting by Peter Mumford; Costumes by Amy Roberts; Sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph; Produced by Howard Panter and Tali Perlman for the Ambassador Theatre Group, Sweet Pea Productions and Tulchin/Bartner Productions.

Links:

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Performance Details: More Words
The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1997

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: More Words is part of The Edge, a compilation of words and sounds chosen and spoken by Royal Shakespeare Company performers.

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, from June 30, 1997 (Press Night), through July __, 1997 (total of five performances).

Principal Cast & Crew: Performed by Eileen Battye, David Hobbs, Nicholas Hutchison, Syreeta Kumar, Damian Lewis, Cherry Morris, Rex Obano, Peter Reeves; Devised by Cicely Berry, Andrew Wade; Directed by Cicely Berry, Andrew Wade; Designed by Anthony Rowe; Light Design by Simon Kemp; Music by Rex Obano.

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Performance Details: More Words
The Barbican Pit, London, 1998

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: More Words is part of The Edge, a compilation of words and sounds chosen and spoken by Royal Shakespeare Company performers.

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican Pit, London, on April 21, 1998 (Press Night), and April 24, 1998 (one performance each date; total of two performances).

Principal Cast & Crew: Performed by Eileen Battye, David Hobbs, Nicholas Hutchison, Syreeta Kumar, Damian Lewis, Cherry Morris, Peter Reeves; Devised by Cicely Berry, Andrew Wade; Directed by Cicely Berry; Designed by Anthony Rowe; Light Design by Nick Peel; Music by Rex Obano.

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Performance Details: Much Ado About Nothing
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1996

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: Young Claudio has fallen for the lovely heiress Hero. The path to the altar seems smooth, until the evil Don John decides to intervene. All ends happily, thanks to the lucky discoveries of the bungling constable Dogberry and his incompetent assistants. Central to the play, one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies, are Beatrice and Benedick, masters of wit and sworn foes to marriage-until a plot is hatched to bring them together.

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from November 27, 1996 (Press Night), through August 21, 1997. (Previewed November 21, 1996.)

Principal Cast & Crew: Ignatius Anthony as George Seacoal / Painter; Patrick Baladi as Borachio; Crispian Belfrage as Francis Leathercoat; Emily Bruni as Hero; James Burton as Boy (alt); Richard Cant as Balthazar; Elli Garnett as Margaret; Christopher Gee as Conrade; David Glover as Antonio; James Goodman as Boy (alt); Michael Healy as Sexton; Alex Jennings as Benedick; Syreeta Kumar as Lady-in-Waiting; Damian Lewis as Don John; Toby Longworth as Verges; Christopher Luscombe as Dogberry; Jane MacFarlane as Lady with Cello; Deidra Morris as Ursula; Patrice Naiambana as Friar Francis; Victoria Pritchard as Lady-in-Waiting; Siobhan Redmond as Beatrice; Shuna Snow as Hugh Oatcake; Rhashan Stone as Claudio; Jeffry Wickham as Leonato; Peter Wight as Don Pedro; Directed by Michael Boyd; Designed by Tom Piper; Lighting Designed by Robert Bryan, Sarah Cremer; Fight Arrangement by Terry King; Movement by Janet Smith; Music by Stanislas Syrewicz; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Two videos of this production (one listed as "pre-changes" and the other listed as "post-changes";), taped at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1996, are available for viewing at the Shakespeare Centre Library, Henley Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Appointments are recommended, and the videos are available only for on-site viewing. They are not available for loan, rental, duplication or purchase. For information, visit this link: http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/content/view/234/234

An audio recording of this production, taped at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on November 27, 1996, is available for listening at the British Library Sound Archives, Euston Road, London. Appointments are recommended (and perhaps required), and the recording is available only for on-site listening. It is not available for loan, rental, duplication or purchase. For information, visit this link: http://www.bl.uk/collections/sound-archive/cat.html and search the catalog using the keywords "damian lewis".

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1 - Scene 1: Leonato, Governor of Messina, welcomes Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon, as he returns from a successful campaign. With Don Pedro is his bastard brother, the taciturn Don John; the brothers have been at enmity but are now apparently reconciled. Also with Don Pedro are Claudio, a young Florentine, and Benedick, a Paduan lord. Benedick knows Leonato's niece Beatrice of old: they share an aversion to marriage and enjoy witty banter at each other's expense. Claudio confides in Benedick and Don Pedro that he has fallen in love with Leonato's daughter Hero, and Don Pedro promises to woo her on his behalf.

Act 1 - Scene 2: Leonato learns that Claudio and Don Pedro have been overheard discussing Hero.

Act 1 - Scene 3: Don John is embittered by his enforced subservience to his brother and is interested to learn from his man Borachio of Don Pedro's plan to woo Hero: "This may prove food to my displeasure".

Act 2 - Scene 1: At a masked ball in Leonato's house, Beatrice's dancing partner questions her about Benedick; she replies that he is a "very dull fool" (her partner, of course, is Benedick himself). Meanwhile, Don Pedro has successfully wooed Hero for Claudio. Don Pedro suggests that Leonato, Claudio and Hero join him in the challenging task of arranging a match between Beatrice and Benedick.

Act 2 - Scene 2: Borachio and Don John plot to thwart Hero and Claudio's marriage plans. Borachio suggests enlisting the help of Hero's woman Margaret. Once Don Pedro and Claudio have been hidden nearby, Margaret will appear at Hero's window dressed in her mistress' clothes and speak to Borachio in such a way as to convince them of Hero's infidelity.

Act 2 - Scene 3: Benedick hears Claudio, Leonato and Don Pedro approaching and hides in an arbor. Aware of their eavesdropper, they speak of Beatrice's passion for Benedick; then, having planned that Hero should orchestrate a similar scene for Beatrice's benefit, they leave. Chastened by what he has heard, Benedick resolves to treat Beatrice differently; when she comes to summon him to dinner she is as acerbic as ever, but Benedick persuades himself that her sharp tone conceals tender feelings.

Act 3 - Scene 1: Knowing that Beatrice is overhearing their conversation, Hero and Ursula discuss Benedick's love for her and comment on her contempt for men. Beatrice is horrified that she has appeared so proud and scornful, and determines to "requite" Benedick's love for her.

Act 3 - Scene 2: On the eve of Claudio and Hero's wedding, Don John tells Don Pedro and Claudio that Hero is unfaithful. He will, he says, give them proof if they meet him near her window that night. Claudio vows to shame her before the whole wedding congregation if the allegation proves true.

Act 3 - Scene 3: Having chosen two citizens for the watch, the bumbling constables Dogberry and Verges instruct them in their duties. The watch then overhears Borachio describing to Conrade (another of Don John's men), how he wooed Margaret by the name of Hero, and thus duped Don Pedro and Claudio. The watch promptly arrests them.

Act 3 - Scene 4: Margaret and Ursula are helping Hero to dress for her wedding when Beatrice enters in low spirits. Margaret, guessing the cause of her melancholy, teases her with covert references to Benedick.

Act 3 - Scene 5: Dogberry and Verges try to tell Leonato about the arrest, but Dogberry's loquaciousness is too much for Leonato. Impatiently, he tells the constables to question their prisoners themselves.

Act 4 - Scene 1: In the church at Messina Claudio publicly accuses Hero of infidelity. His shocking claims are backed up by Don Pedro and Don John. Hero swoons in distress and revives to hear the bitter reproaches of her father. Friar Francis, however, is convinced of the girl's innocence and suggests they pretend that she is dead; this ruse, he says, is sure to make Claudio repent his accusations and thus Hero's reputation may be saved. Once the others have left the church, Benedick tells the weeping Beatrice that he believes Hero to be blameless. He then confesses his love for Beatrice, declaring he will do anything for her, upon which she commands him: "Kill Claudio." Benedick is appalled but eventually agrees to challenge his friend.

Act 4 - Scene 2: Once the Sexton has heard the testimony of the watch, he orders that Conrade and Borachio be bound and taken to Leonato.

Act 5 - Scene 1: Apparently grief-stricken, Leonato denounces Claudio for causing Hero's death and challenges him to a duel. Benedick enters and he too challenges Claudio to combat. Dogberry, Verges and the Watch arrive with their prisoners and Borachio confesses his involvement in Don John's plot to dishonor Hero; he insists, however, that Margaret was unaware of her part in the proceedings. A penitent Claudio agrees to Leonato's request that he publicly proclaim Hero's innocence and then marry her cousin. Don John has, we learn, fled Messina.

Act 5 - Scene 2: Despite their mutual love, Beatrice and Benedick continue their banter: "Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably."

Act 5 - Scene 3: Claudio visits Hero's tomb and promises to return every year.

Act 5 - Scene 4: Leonato agrees to Benedick's request for Beatrice's hand in marriage. Claudio comes, as promised, to marry Leonato's niece, who appears veiled. When she removes the mask, Claudio is astonished to find that his bride is Hero. As celebratory music strikes up, a messenger arrives with the news that Don John has been captured and brought back to Messina.

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Performance Details: Much Ado About Nothing
Theatre Royal, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, 1997

Project type: Stage play

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, from October 7, 1997 (Press Night), through October 11, 1997.

Principal Cast & Crew: Ignatius Anthony as Friar Francis; Rod Arthur as Sexton; Patrick Baladi as Borachio; Jamie Brandon as Boy (alt); Emily Bruni as Hero; Richard Cant as Balthazar; Derek Ezenagu as Francis Leathercoat; Elli Garnett as Margaret; Christopher Gee as Conrade; David Glover as Antonio; Alex Jennings as Benedick; Syreeta Kumar as Lady-in-Waiting;Vincent Leigh as George Seacoal / Painter; Damian Lewis as Don John; Toby Longworth as Verges; Christopher Luscombe as Dogberry; Jane MacFarlane as Lady with Cello; Deidra Morris as Ursula; Victoria Pritchard as Lady-in-Waiting; Siobhan Redmond as Beatrice; Shuna Snow as Hugh Oatcake; Rhashan Stone as Claudio; Roberto Vanrell-Llompart as Boy (alt); Jeffry Wickham as Leonato; Peter Wight as Don Pedro; Directed by Michael Boyd; Designed by Tom Piper; Lighting Designed by Robert Bryan, Sarah Cremer; F Fight Arrangement by Terry King; Movement by Janet Smith; Music by Stanislas Syrewicz; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis: See above (click here)

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Performance Details: Much Ado About Nothing
Theatre Royal, Plymouth, 1997

Project type: Stage play

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, from November 18, 1997 (Press Night), through November 22, 1997.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis: See above (click here)

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Performance Details: Much Ado About Nothing
Barbican Theatre, London, 1998

Project type: Stage play

Chronology: Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican Theatre, London, from February 17, 1998 (Press Night), through May 9, 1998. (Previewed February 12, 1998.) Also, on May 1, 1998, there was a pre-show event at the Barbican Theatre in which actors and members of the technical team revealed the creative process behind the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Much Ado About Nothing.

Principal Cast & Crew: Ignatius Anthony as Friar Francis; Rod Arthur as Sexton; Patrick Baladi as Borachio; Jamie Brandon as Boy (alt); Emily Bruni as Hero; Richard Cant as Balthazar; Derek Ezenagu as Francis Leathercoat; Elli Garnett as Margaret; Christopher Gee as Conrade; David Glover as Antonio; Alex Jennings as Benedick; Syreeta Kumar as Lady-in-Waiting; Vincent Leigh as George Seacoal / Painter; Damian Lewis as Don John; Toby Longworth as Verges; Christopher Luscombe as Dogberry; Jane MacFarlane as Lady with Cello; Deidra Morris as Ursula; Victoria Pritchard as Lady-in-Waiting; Siobhan Redmond as Beatrice; Shuna Snow as Hugh Oatcake; Rhashan Stone as Claudio; Roberto Vanrell-Llompart as Boy (alt); Jeffry Wickham as Leonato; Peter Wight as Don Pedro; Directed by Michael Boyd; Designed by Tom Piper; Lighting Designed by Robert Bryan, Sarah Cremer; F Fight Arrangement by Terry King; Movement by Janet Smith; Music by Stanislas Syrewicz; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis: See above (click here)

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Performance Details: Much Ado About Nothing
BBC, 2005

Project type: Television film

Synopsis: When the bickering between news co-presenters Beatrice and Benedick gets too much to take, their colleagues at the Wessex television station come up with a cunning plan to shut the pair up. Meanwhile, lovely weathergirl Hero and dashing reporter Claude are a match made in heaven -- but does everyone want to see them so happy?

Chronology: Filmed in the spring of 2005 as part of the BBC's four-part ShakespeaRetold anthology. (Damian does not appear in the other three other films in the anthology, Macbeth, The Taming Of The Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream.) UK television premiere on BBC1 on November 7, 2005 (followed by the three other films in the anthology on the three subsequent Mondays). US telelvision premiere on BBC America on August 6, 2006 (followed by the three other films in the anthology on the three subsequent Sundays). Released on region 2 DVD in the UK on December 27, 2005. Released on region 4 DVD in Australia on January 4, 2007. Released on region 1 DVD in the US on July 24, 2007. Presented on television (networks unknown) in Hungary on March 25, 2006; Finland on January 23, 2007; Japan on October 4, 2007.

Awards & Nominations:

This production received the following award:

2006 British Academy Television Craft Awards (BAFTA Craft Awards) -- Best Director - Brian Percival

This production received the following nominations:

2006 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards -- Best Single Drama - Diederick Santer, Brian Percival, David Nicholls
2006 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards -- Best Single Drama
2006 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards -- Best Actress - Billie Piper
2006 Royal Television Society Awards -- Best Situation Comedy or Comedy Drama

Principal Cast & Crew: Olivia Colman as Ursula; Tom Ellis as Claude; Martin Jarvis as Leonard (station owner); Damian Lewis as Benedick Taylor; Anthony O'Donnell as Mr. Berry; Sarah Parish as Beatrice Evans; Billie Piper as Hero (weather reporter); Derek Riddell as Don; Michael Smiley as Peter; Nina Sosanya as Margaret. Directed by Brian Percival; Written by William Shakespeare; Adaptation by David Nicholls.

Links:

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Performance Details: My Cousin Rachel

Project type: Radio recording

Synopsis: When Philip Ashley's much-loved cousin, Ambrose, dies, he is convinced that Ambrose was murdered by his new wife, Rachel. But then he meets Rachel and falls in love with her. As the story unfolds, listeners discover whether Rachel is only using Philip to get at the estate Ambrose left to him, instead of her, and if she will murder to get what she wants.

Chronology: Recorded in the spring of 2007. Presented on BBC Radio 4 in the UK on the Classic Serial programme in two weekly episodes on May 6, 2007, and May 13, 2007. The radio drama is part of a series of programmes commemorating the centenary of writer Daphne du Maurier's birth.

Principal Cast & Crew: Robin Brooks as Groom/ Mr. Coach; Paul Jesson as Geoffrey; Damian Lewis as Ambrose; Carol Macready as Mrs. Pascoe; John McAndrew as Ludovico/Tamlyn; Nicholas Murchie as Rainaldi; Cark Prekopp as Phillip; John Rogan as Vicar/Sawyer; Hugh Ross as Seecombe; Emily Wachter as Louise; Lia Williams as Rachel; Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier; Adapted by Robin Brooks; Produced by Clive Brill.

Links:

Episode Guide:

Episode 1: Philip's guardian Ambrose, a lifelong bachelor, leaves for a tour of Italy and unexpectedly falls in love. But within months he succumbs to an illness and dies. Now his wife Rachel has turned up in England and wants to see Philip, but are her intentions honest?

Episode 2: At Philip's invitation, Rachel has taken up residence in his home. He finds himself falling in love with her, but he is also finding reasons to suspect her. Is her behaviour concealing an ulterior motive?

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Performance Details: Newsnight Review 05/29/09

Project type: Television programme

Synopsis: A weekly roundtable discussion programme centered on the arts. In this episode, host Martha Kearney and guest panelists look at the state of modern poetry. Can today's poets affect social change, test the boundaries of form and take poetry forward with the times? Guest Damian Lewis read the panel's choice of exciting new voices on the poetry scene. Damian reads High Wood by Philip Johnstone, Himself by Anthony Anaxagorou, Things To Do Before You Leave by Ross Sutherland, and To Understand Nothing Finally by Retta Bowen.

Chronology: Recorded in London in May 2009. Presented on BBC 2 in the UK on May 29, 2009.

Principal Cast & Crew: Akala as Himself (panelist); Simon Armitage as Himself (panelist); Carol Ann Duffy as Herself (interviewee); Paul Dunthorne as Himself (reader); Chris Hamilton-Emery as Himself (interviewee); Josephine Hart as Herself (panelist); Martha Kearney as Herself (host); Damian Lewis as Himself (reader); Chris McCabe as Himself (interviewee); Adrian Mitchell as Himself (reader); Ruth Padel as Herself (archival footage); Scroobius Pip as Himself (segment presenter); Polarbear as Himself (archival footage); Clare Pollard as Herself (segment presenter); Luke Wright as Himself (panelist); Produced by Liz Gibbons.

Links:

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Performance Details: Nicholas Nickleby

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: One of Dickens's earliest works, this is the story of the Nicklebys (Nicholas, his mother and sister Kate) who have been left penniless by the death of Mr. Nickleby. In their poverty and desperation they seek help from Nicholas's uncle -- the difficult and oppressive Ralph Nickleby who is a usurer. Nicholas immediately bothers his uncle due to his independent attitudes and is sent to Dotheboys Hall to teach. He witnesses the mistreatment of orphans there by Wackford Squeers. Disgusted by this and particularly the treatment of Smike, Nicholas thrashes the evil Squeers and escapes with the lad Smike who becomes his close comrade. Nicholas continues on his mission to end ill-treatment. He saves Kate from Sir Mulberry Hawk's insults and makes a home for the family. Ralph gets his comeuppance eventually despite his continued evil and although Smike dies of consumption, there is a general sense of justice at the story's close.

Chronology: Performed at Eton College, Windsor, in 1987.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Wackford Squeers; other cast members unidentified (but among them was James Archer, son of Jeffrey Archer); Written by Charles Dickens.

Links:

Read the novel online

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Performance Details: Number 10

Project type: Radio recording

Synopsis: This drama series seeks to throw light on some aspect of British politics and shows how nothing is as simple as it seems. Far more than in the Commons chamber, it’s inside the pillared rooms of Downing Street that the real governance of Britain unfolds. The fictional prime minister and his staff grapple with the dilemmas of decision-making, the pain of surrendering principle to pragmatism, and the joy of achievement in the face of pessimists. They may spend most of their time fighting fires, flak-catching and watching their backs, but they’re still in the game to make Britain and the world better.

Chronology: Season one (in which Damian did not participate) was presented on BBC Radio 4 in the UK on the Friday Play programme in five weekly episodes from September 7, 2007, through October 5, 2007. Season two (in which Damian did not participate) was presented on BBC Radio 4 in the UK on the Afternoon Play programme in five weekly episodes from September 30, 2008, through October 28, 2008. Third season (the first featuring Damian) recorded in the autumn of 2009 and presented on BBC Radio 4 in the UK on the Afternoon Play programme in five weekly 45-minute episodes from November 13, 2009, through December 11, 2009.

Principal Cast & Crew: Adjoa Andoh as Genoveva, Angolan Ambassador (Season 3); Alice Arnold as Journalist (Season 1) / News Reader (Season 1); Sean Baker as Major (Season 1) / Admiral (Season 2); Sasha Behar as Monica Smith (Seasons 1-3); Denise Black as Gwen Donoghue, Home Secretary (Season 3); Susan Brown as Flannery (Season 1); Simon Chandler as Brampton of SIS (Season 2); Scott Cherry as Reporter (Season 3) / Chair of Boswell North CLP (Season 3) / Command HQ (Season 3); Nigel Cooke as Ernest (Season 2); Penny Downie as Polly Cairns (Season 3); Michael Eaves as Doyle, Minister (Season 2) / Copple, Housing Manager (Season 3); Christopher Ettridge as Nigel Ogden (Season 1) / Elliot (Season 2); Ray Fearon as Virgilio, Angolan Military Attache (Season 3) / Angolan Lawyer (Season 3); Emma Fielding as Angela Brenner (Season 1); Deborah Findlay as Polly Cairns (Season 2); Theo Fraser Steele as Reporter (Season 3) / Merlin Helicopter Pilot (Season 3); Nicola Gardner as Biyot Abdulle, Constituent (Season 3); Jamie Glover as Justin (Season 1); Nicholas Grace as George (Season 1); Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns (Season 1); Ellie Haddington as Jackie (Season 2); Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong (Seasons 1-3); Philip Jackson as Josephson (Season 2); Paul Jesson as Lord Rudolph (Season 2) / Terry (Season 3) / Chief Superintendant (Season 3); Joseph Kloska as Ollie Armstrong (Season 1) / Palace Equerry (Season 3) / TV Producer (Season 3); James Laurenson as Lord Cairns (Season 1); Damian Lewis as Simon Laity (Season 3); Nigel Lindsay as Robert Wintour (Season 2) / Lewis Smiley, MP (Season 3); Charlotte Lucas as Esme (Season 2) / Lucy, Channel 4 News Reporter (Season 3); Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie (Seasons 1 and 3); Joseph Marcell as President Sawadogo (Season 1); Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner (Seasons 1-2); Elizabeth McGovern as Jasmine (Season 1); Connor McIntyre as Barry Hornsea (Season 2); Carol McReady as Anita (Season 1); Flora Montgomery as Rebecca (Season 1) / Susan O'Reilly (Season 3); Nicholas Murchie as George (Season 2) / Terry Gruber, Union Leader (Season 3) / Wursley (Season 3); Christopher Obi as Reporter (Season 2); Anthony O'Donnell as Frank (Season 1) / Billington (Season 1); Bill Paterson as Bill Flagg (Season 3); Chris Pavlo as Dimitri (Season 2); Claire Perkins as Ms. Austen (Season 1) / Sheila Larwood (Season 2); Shaun Prendergast as Norman Johnson (Season 1); Julian Rhind-Tutt as Steve McKie (Season 2); Marcella Riordan as Chrissie (Season 1); Lucy Robinson as Helen Ridout, Chancellor (Seasons 2-3); Dominic Rowan as Lewis Smiley, MP (Season 1); Nicholas Rowe as Scottish MP (Season 1) / Conrad (Season 1); Clive Russell as Kevin Munro (Season 1) / Peter Chadwick (Seasons 2-3); Mike Sengelow as Nathan Toltz (Season 3); David Shaw Parker as Doctor Crawston (Season 3); Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong (Seasons 1-3); Colin Stinton as Paul, US Deputy Secretary of State (Season 3); Karl Theobald as Dennis Trevithick (Season 3) / Housing Officer (Season 3); John Warnaby as Greg Spender (Season 2); Charlotte West Oram as Miss (Jaaey) Twining (Seasons 2-3); Nicholas Woodeson as Giles (Season 1) / General (Season 1) / Sir Cosmo (Season 3); Written by Jonathan Myerson (Seasons 1-3) and Nicholas McInerny (Season 1); Produced and Directed by Clive Brill (Seasons 1-3).

Links:

Episode Guide:

Season 1, Episode 1 - Good News Day: As the Prime Minister prepares to announce an amnesty for all immigrants working illegally in the UK, a serious tube crash threatens to jeopardise his plans.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 1, Episode 1 - Good News Day: Alice Arnold as Journalist / News Reader; Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Christopher Ettridge as Nigel Ogden; Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns; James Laurenson as Lord Cairns; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Flora Montgomery as Rebecca; Anthony O'Donnell as Frank; Claire Perkins as Ms. Austen; Nicholas Rowe as Conrad; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 1, Episode 2 - And Raise Them to Eternal Life: The party promised to eliminate Britain's carbon footprint, but poll ratings are plummeting and the unions are cutting up rough. Even the Prime Minister's stepson is protesting.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 1, Episode 2 - And Raise Them to Eternal Life: Alice Arnold as Journalist / News Reader; Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Emma Fielding as Angela Brenner; Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; Joseph Kloska as Ollie Armstrong; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Joseph Marcell as President Sawadogo; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Dominic Rowan as Lewis Smiley, MP; Nicholas Rowe as Scottish MP; Clive Russell as Kevin Munro; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 1, Episode 3 - Who Won the Election?: As the government prepares for a major cancer screening initiative with a private American company, a leaked letter between the Prince and the Prime Minister appears to advocate legalising cannabis.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 1, Episode 3 - Who Won the Election?: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Nicholas Grace as George; Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; James Laurenson as Lord Cairns; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Elizabeth McGovern as Jasmine; Carol McReady as Anita; Shaun Prendergast as Norman Johnson; Marcella Riordan as Chrissie; Nicholas Rowe as Scottish MP; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Nicholas Woodeson as Giles; Written by Nicholas McInerny; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 1, Episode 4 - Rule of Law: The Prime Minister is launching a new organisation intended to integrate Muslims into British society and prevent radicalisation. But first he has to decide whether to back Turkey's application for EU membership.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 1, Episode 4 - Rule of Law: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 1, Episode 5 - Home and Away: Crises loom on two fronts as the Prime Minister faces a backbench rebellion while British troops are being held hostage overseas.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 1, Episode 5 - Home and Away: Alice Arnold as Journalist; Sean Baker as Major; Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Susan Brown as Flannery; Jamie Glover as Justin; Haydn Gwynne as Polly Cairns; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Anthony O'Donnell as Billington; Marcella Riordan as Chrissie; Nicholas Rowe as Conrad; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Nicholas Woodeson as General; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 2, Episode 1: After a man dies from a virus picked up abroad; newspapers run a panic campaign that questions the government's security measures.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 2, Episode 1: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Christopher Ettridge as Elliot; Deborah Findlay as Polly Cairns; Philip Jackson as Josephson; Paul Jesson as Lord Rudolph; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Chris Pavlo as Dimitri; Julian Rhind-Tutt as Steve McKie; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 2, Episode 2: The Prime Minister falls out with the Chancellor when he discovers that she has dropped some key tax reforms. It seems he may have no choice but to sack her; two days before she is due to deliver the Budget.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 2, Episode 2: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Simon Chandler as Brampton of SIS; Michael Eaves as Doyle, Minister; Deborah Findlay as Polly Cairns; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Julian Rhind-Tutt as Steve McKie; Lucy Robinson as Helen Ridout, Chancellor; Clive Russell as Peter Chadwick; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Charlotte West Oram as Miss (Jaaey) Twining; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 2, Episode 3: The Prime Minister finds himself embroiled in unexpected complications on a trip to Gibraltar; and his wife draws media attention by meeting a former party worker who has just been released from prison.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 2, Episode 3: Sean Baker as Admiral; Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Nigel Cooke as Ernest; Colin McFarlane as Colin Brenner; Ellie Haddington as Jackie; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; Charlotte Lucas as Esme; Nicholas Murchie as George; Julian Rhind-Tutt as Steve McKie; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 2, Episode 4: The prime minister's chief of staff has been attacked and seriously injured during a routine walkabout. When it emerges that the attacker was recently released early from jail under a government initiative; the prime minister is forced to consider whether he should resign.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 2, Episode 4: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Deborah Findlay as Polly Cairns; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; Julian Rhind Tutt as Steve McKie; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 2, Episode 5: Following the tragic death of his Personal Private Secretary; the Prime Minister has called an election. With four weeks until the country votes; the polls do not look promising.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 2, Episode 5: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Deborah Findlay as Polly Cairns; Paul Jesson as Lord Rudolph; Nigel Lindsay as Robert Wintour; Connor McIntyre as Barry Hornsea; Christopher Obi as Reporter; Clare Perkins as Sheila Larwood; Julian Rhind Tutt as Steve McKie; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; John Warnaby as Greg Spender; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 3, Episode 1 - Be A Good Chap ...: After a general election, the Tories have won more seats but Labour got the biggest vote. Both need help from the Lib Dems, which will come at a cost. So who will get to form the next government?

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 3, Episode 1 - Be A Good Chap ...: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Scott Cherry as Reporter; Penny Downie as Polly Cairns; Theo Fraser Steele as Reporter; Joseph Kloska as Palace Equerry / TV Producer; Damian Lewis as Simon Laity; Nigel Lindsay as Lewis Smiley, MP; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Bill Paterson as Bill Flagg; Clive Russell as Peter Chadwick; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Nicholas Woodeson as Sir Cosmo; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 3, Episode 2 - And Drugs Won ...: In a pact with the Liberal Democrats, Labour have formed a government. But the new Lib Dem home secretary seems determined to stray off message, and the legalisation of drugs is top of her agenda.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 3, Episode 2 - And Drugs Won ...: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Denise Black as Gwen Donoghue, Home Secretary; Scott Cherry as Chair of Boswell North CLP; Penny Downie as Polly Cairns; Theo Fraser Steele as Reporter; Paul Jesson as Terry / Chief Superintendant; Charlotte Lucas as Lucy, Channel 4 News Reporter; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Bill Paterson as Bill Flagg; Lucy Robinson as Helen Ridout, Chancellor; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 3, Episode 3 - The Visigoths Are Coming ...: The Angolan Navy have occupied the British territory of St Helena. After six days, the Prime Minister and the Angolan Ambassador are locked in talks to try to prevent a declaration of war. But who has prompted this seemingly mad act of aggression?

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 3, Episode 3 - The Visigoths Are Coming ...: Adjoa Andoh as Genoveva, Angolan Ambassador; Scott Cherry as Command HQ; Ray Fearon as Virgilio, Angolan Military Attache / Angolan Lawyer; Theo Fraser Steele as Merlin Helicopter Pilot; Damian Lewis as Simon Laity; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Colin Stinton as Paul, US Deputy Secretary of State; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 3, Episode 4 - A Failed State: The coalition is unravelling and, as his team scramble for votes to keep the government in place, the Prime Minister goes to his constituency and becomes embroiled in a housing issue involving a Somalian single mother. Is it deliberate politics or the last act of a collapsing Prime Minister?

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 3, Episode 4 - A Failed State: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Denise Black as Gwen Donoghue, Home Secretary; Scott Cherry as _____; Penny Downie as Polly Cairns; Michael Eaves as Copple, Housing Manager; Theo Fraser Steele as _____; Nicola Gardner as Biyot Abdulle, Constituent; Kelly Hunter as Hannah Armstrong; Damian Lewis as Simon Laity; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Nicholas Murchie as Terry Gruber, Union Leader / Wursley; Bill Paterson as Bill Flagg; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Karl Theobald as Dennis Trevithick / Housing Officer; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

Season 3, Episode 5 - Immortality at Last: The removal men are in -- Adam Armstrong is finally standing down as Prime Minister and the new Conservative leader, Simon Laity, is moving in to Number 10. It seems the whole team will be out of a job -- but there is a surprising last-minute offer from an unexpected quarter.

Principal Cast & Crew - Season 3, Episode 5 - Immortality at Last: Sasha Behar as Monica Smith; Scott Cherry as Reporter; Penny Downie as Polly Cairns; Theo Fraser Steele as Reporter; Damian Lewis as Simon Laity; Stephen Mangan as Steve McKie; Flora Montgomery as Susan O'Reilly; Mike Sengelow as Nathan Toltz; David Shaw Parker as Doctor Crawston; Antony Sher as Adam Armstrong; Charlotte West Oram as Miss (Jaaey) Twining; Written by Jonathan Myerson; Produced and Directed by Clive Brill.

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Performance Details: Orson's Shadow

Project type: Stage play reading

Synopsis: In 1960, film director Orson Welles senses his foothold in the screen industry slipping. Coaxed into a new endeavor by theater critic and friend Kenneth Tynan, the directorial giant finds himself at the helm of a West End production of Ionesco's Rhinoceros starring Laurence Olivier and his paramour Joan Plowright. Olivier's eccentric wife Vivien Leigh adds to the volatile mix as legendary egos collide on stage and off. A fictional rendering of actual events, Orson's Shadow imagines the circumstances behind the staging of this absurdist masterpiece and reveals the human frailty of these titan personalities.

Chronology: This one-night-only play reading was performed at the Old Vic, London, on February 15, 2006.

Principal Cast & Crew: Claudie Blakely as Joan (Joan Plowright); Sean Chapman as Larry (Laurence Olivier); Damian Lewis as Ken (Kenneth Tynan); Helen McCrory as Vivien (Vivien Leigh); Eugene O'Hare as Sean (the Stagehand); David Westhead as Orson (Orson Welles); Directed by _____; Written by Austin Pendleton.

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