"This book is the authorised and fully documented history of the 50-year career of the late Sir Nigel Hawthorne, beloved star of Yes, Minister, Privates on Parade, Shadowlands, and The Madness of George III. Enriched and illuminated by the personal insights of the actor himself, it also includes interviews with his close friends and colleagues, including Alan Bennett, Samuel Goldwyn Jnr., Nicholas Hytner, Thelma Holt, Jonathan Lynn and Sheridan Morley." "Structured along the lines of a play, the book comprises three distinct 'Acts': the first covers the developmental phase of Nigel Hawthorne's career, in South Africa, in provincial rep in England, and his life-changing discovery by Joan Littlewood. Act Two explores the distinctive qualities of the mature actor and gives fascinating details of his acting methodology: how he researched and prepared roles, his intense study of the play text, and, crucially, his interaction with fellow actors, writers and directors. There is also an 'Interval' which deals with Sir Nigel's own work as a director and playwright. Act Three consists of uniquely detailed chronologies." In focusing on the personal journey of one of Britain's finest actors, Nigel Hawthorne on Stage also gives an excellent appraisal of post-war English theatre, including particularly valuable material about Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop and the controversial English Stage Company at the Royal Court.