litlunchthumbnail On Sunday the 4th of October, Somerville was honoured to have acclaimed actor Simon Russell Beale speak at the annual Literary Luncheon event.

The actor, who is regarded as one of the greatest classical actors of his generation, was in conversation with Somerville’s Shakespeare expert Professor Katherine Duncan-Jones and welcomed questions from the audience.

Somervillians were lucky to have tea on the lawn, as Sunday was one of the last warm sunny days of the year. Somerville has organised Literary Lunches every year for nearly 30 years and several regulars said that this one was the best yet.

“I’ve been hearing from all sides, how much people enjoyed it,” said Principal Alice Prochaska in a thank you message to the actor. “I really loved hearing about the way you interpret the psychology of your characters –fascinating insights, and deeply impressive.”

Simon Russell Beale is currently starring in Hampstead Theatre’s production of Mr Foote’s Other Leg, which will transfer to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the West end on October 28th.

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