Late 1940s/early 50s: Britain is emerging from the gloom and austerity of the war years with an appetite for change and fresh optimism. Social upheaval and urban renewal brings with it a demand for different forms of culture and entertainment. It is a time of enormous growth for the British entertainment industry and new stars are bursting on the scene to lead the way.

 

Dozens of these extraordinary artists are still alive today. These cultural icons, whose collective memories and experiences are of incalculable historical value, are taking part in an exciting new interview series called British Legends of Stage and Screen.

 

The actors’ exposure to the enormous changes that have taken place in theatre, film and television over the past sixty years, their work with the greatest texts, fellow performers and directors, their enduring careers and contributions to new artistic visions and movements, are the foundations of modern entertainment and make for essential viewing.

 

Many grew up either just before or during World War II, when an established network of repertory theatres was still central to the nation’s cultural life (Angela Lansbury). RADA, where many of them trained (Glenda Jackson, Michael York), underwent a radical transformation, from a finishing school for the children of the upper classes, to a serious vocational institution for actors from all backgrounds who were soon to gain recognition as some of the best in the world. The new National Theatre, established by Sir Laurence Olivier at the Old Vic Theatre, reclaimed the legacy of the past with a canon of classic plays and became another training ground for many of our actors (Michael Gambon, Derek Jacobi). At the same time, new writing at the Royal Court galvanized this generation to forge new pathways for performance and redefine the theatrical experience (Glenda Jackson, Claire Bloom).

 

The British film industry was also emerging, partly due to the role of film in the government’s propaganda and communication strategies during the war and the popularity of Hammer Films (Christopher Lee), and partly as a reaction to the Hollywood studios, giving rise to the British Free Cinema movement (inspired by French New Wave, Italian Neo-Realism and “auteur” cinema). Many of the British Legends were pioneers in this movement, starring in films such as Look Back in Anger, Accident and Blow-up.

 

The newest medium, television, led to the demise of repertory theatre but brought culture and entertainment into the homes of millions of people, giving birth to innovative writing which broke free of conventions; here we have Diana Rigg on The Avengers and Michael Gambon on The Singing Detective.

 

This generation of British actors are the standard bearers of a cultural new wave that took the world by storm. Many of them are still working, and all have left a lasting legacy.

 

Here are some of their voices.