Shakespeare: Hit or Miss?

by John Gielgud

Sir John Gielgud draws on his lifetime of experience in the theatre to analyze just what makes a good (or bad) Shakespearean performance. He gives his views on how to approach the major roles and on acting in general. Taking the reader behind the scenes, he examines the influence of the director and producer, as well as the pitfalls an actor may face in the shape of unsuitable sets and costumes.

Hardcover

First published December 31, 1991

About the author

Sir Arthur John Gielgud, OM, CH was an English actor/director/producer. A descendant of the renowned Terry acting family, he achieved early international acclaim for his youthful, emotionally expressive Hamlet which broke box office records on Broadway in 1937. He was known for his beautiful speaking of verse and particularly for his warm and expressive voice, which his colleague Sir Alec Guinness likened to "a silver trumpet muffled in silk". Gielgud is one of the few entertainers who have won an Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.