Ask Timothy West

May 6 2007 By The Sunday Sun

Actor Timothy West is arguably one of the most recognisable faces on television.

A veteran of high-quality drama productions Timothy is equally at home on the stage or in front of the camera. Born the son of an actor in Bradford in 1934 he began his career working in repertory theatre in Wimbledon, Newquay, Hull, Northampton, Worthing and Salisbury.

He got his first big break when performing at London's Piccadilly Theatre in the farce Caught Napping in 1959. And his first appearance with the Royal Shakespeare Company was in 1962.

His television work includes Murder Most Horrid, Why Lockerbie, Goodnight Sweetheart and Waking the Dead. He has also appeared in some classic films including The Day of the Jackal, The 39 Steps, and Cry Freedom.

In 1984 he was granted a CBE for services to acting. He is married to Fawlty Towers legend Prunella Scales. Timothy will be appearing at the Newcastle Theatre Royal in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Coriolanus between May 16 and 19. For tickets, costing from £10, call 0870-905 5060.

WHAT is the favourite Shakespearean role you have played and why?

King Lear. I've played him three times and each time he throws you fresh challenges. I like challenges.

WHAT roles in the theatre have you not played that you would like to?

They're probably all parts I'm too old for now! Peer Gynt, Richard III, Brutus, Chekhov's Ivanov and lots of modern plays.

WHAT do you think have been the biggest changes in the acting profession since you entered it?

The death of regional repertory, which trained actors to be at home with different styles, manners and language.

HAVE you always managed to find acting work or have you had to take jobs in between? If so, what was the worst?

Once I had to earn some money by decorating a friend's house. And I'm a disaster with wallpaper.

HOW do you think television has changed theatre audiences?

I don't think it has, much. Possibly televiewers have been increasingly driven to demand bigger and more lavish experiences when they go to the theatre.

IS it true you went to school with David Prowse who played Darth Vader?

Apparently, though we never knew each other. If he'd worn a mask, I would have remembered him.

YOU'RE married to Prunella Scales and have appeared on stage together. Is it difficult working with someone you know so well?

No, on the whole it's easier. It cuts corners. Going on discussing the show at home after-hours, though, gets boring.

WHEN you're not acting what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Travelling, going to concerts and getting on our narrow boat on the canals.

IF you hadn't been an actor what would you have done for a living?

Probably I'd have gone on working, as I was doing, as a recording engineer. In another life, though, I'd have been a world-famous orchestral conductor.

WHO do you think is the greatest living playwright?

Harold Pinter.

DO you think the culture of reality TV has influenced programme scheduling at the expense of drama?

It's not a question of culture but of finance. Professionally performed drama is obviously much more expensive to produce than Big Brother.

WHAT do you believe is the secret to being a good actor?

There's no secret. Perhaps one or two rules . . . the most important being that it's your job to illuminate what the author has written, not to show the audience how clever, sexy or charismatic you are.