What drew you both to the script of Peter and Alice?
Claire Whitaker
JD: Michael Grandage and Christopher Oram came and read me the play. I have always loved to be told and read a story. I was absolutely fascinated with the play and how we might be able to translate it to an audience.
BW: I just loved the story and the characters. I loved these worlds of the books blending with the lives of these people and the conversation between the two was very haunting.
What have you both learned from each other in the rehearsal process?
Alli Tibbatts
JD: Ben learns his lines very quickly and very diligently. The most important thing is to find a sense of humour in the people you are working with.
BW: Yes, some sense of fun, which is very much how this one has been – a happy rehearsal space and the better for it.
What has been your most memorable character, and are there any you would love to play but haven’t had the chance to or been unable to do?
Richard Orr
JD: Shakespeare is my passion but there are not many roles now left for me to play.
BW: Judi, have you ever played a man?
JD: Only Viola, so not really.
What was your first introduction as children to Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland– was it through the books or the films?
Dorothy Ciulla
JD: Mine was on stage. My father was a doctor in York and he took me to see Peter Pan. It took my breath away. I said to my father we could do this and rig up some wires. I’ll never forget that moment. I was told never to do it as I was a very clumsy actress.
BW: I think mine was a Disney film. I did play John in Peter Pan in our local village hall when I was eight years old. I didn’t know too much about Alice in Wonderland, probably also through Disney.
Ben, could you share with us a couple of ways you get into character? Do you have any specific methods you use and repeat for each role or does it vary depending on the characters?
Lauren Yvonne Townsend
BW: It definitely varies from job to job and from character to character. With Peter I’m finding it hard to explain. When the play starts you just get swept up in it. I always think it’s best when things just happen, things that take you by surprise. I like those moments best. I would say keep yourself really open and relaxed.
Ben, I saw you in Trevor Nunn’s Hamlet and thought you were completely mesmerising. You’d only recently left drama school and were hailed as one of the hottest actors of your generation. Did that level of expectation create pressure?
Peter McDermott
BW: Playing Hamlet happened so suddenly, in a way I didn’t really realise what was happening at the time. I’m so grateful to Trevor for casting me in that role and giving me the opportunity. I think it’s better not to focus on any pressure and just take each role as it comes.
Ben, who did you prefer playing on screen – Keith Richards or John Keats?
Duncan Swift
BW: I got to go more deeply into John Keats as the film was about him whereas the Stones film was not focused on Keith Richards. I’m sure there will be a more extensive film about his life at some point.
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Judi Dench & Ben Whishaw Answers YOUR Questions!
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