Exploring Shakespeare’s sonnets

Date: Thursday, 23 June 2016, 18.30 – 19.30

Venue: Senate House Library

Senate House Library will be hosting an intimate and unique evening of study and performance as Professor Sir Brian Vickers leads an exploration of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Sir Brian will be joined by famous actors Edward Fox, Joanna David and Dominic West, who will be reading from a selection of sonnets throughout the evening.

Edward Fox has had a long and distinguished career on screen and stage. Famed for his consummate performance as Edward VIII in Thames Television’s Edward and Mrs Simpson, he won a BAFTA for best supporting actor in Joseph Losey’s The Go Between and was the ‘The Jackal’ in Day of the Jackal directed by Fred Zinnemann. He was awarded an OBE in 2003.

Joanna David is an acclaimed actress well known for her television and film work. She has appeared in many popular series including Sense and Sensibility, War and Peace, The Last of the Mohicans, Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders. She is vice president of the Theatrical Guild.

Dominic West is an award-winning film, television and theatre actor best known for his portrayal of detective Jimmy McNulty in the critically acclaimed US show The Wire. He won the British Academy Television Award for best actor in 2012 for portraying serial killer Fred West in Appropriate Adult.

As part of the event, which is taking place on 23 June, guests will have an after-hours opportunity to view the University of London’s first major exhibition, Shakespeare Metamorphosis, which includes installation work, rare texts and stretches across 3 floors of the iconic Senate House building.

Following the readings there will be an opportunity for autographs with the actors and Sir Brian Vickers.

This event has been organised by the Friends of Senate House Library, and concludes with a wine reception and networking opportunity.