Tribute To Ian Richardson

Ian as Berowne in Love’s labour’s Lost. Berowne was his favorite Shakespearian part. And it was the part that Shakespeare has created for himself as an actor.

Measure for Measure (1970). Ian’s Angelo has been described as the most terrific performance ever seen in this role. Between underlying threat and insidious seduction, his Angelo has the appearance of an angel and the behaviour of a demon. This production is remained famous by the intense and physical interpretation of its cast. It has been reported that Ian’s several exits off stage were accompanied by a thunderous applause. A memorable performance that I would have liked to see.

Another great pic of the dancing Pericles. One of my mum’s favorite stages performance by Ian. What an incredible collection she has. The more I open my mother's boxes, the more amazing things I find.

Another great pic of Ian with Susan Fleetwood in Pericles (1969) directed by Terry Hands. A beautiful shot by Reg Wilson, one of the two official photographers of the Royal Shakespeare Company in that time.

Ian in rehearsal of Gogol’s Government Inspector (1979)

Ian in hot pants in The two gentlemen in Verona with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1970.

Some dress rehearsal pics of Ian and Helen Mirren in « The Two Gentlemen in Verona ». All these wonderful pics were shot by Joe Cocks.

Some materials from My Fair Lady. Ian as Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. I have just found all these pics in mum’s stuff. Ian won a Drama Desk Award and got a Tony Nomination for his performance. Too bad that there is no video recording of it.

The show I would have loved to see that time. The only one which gathered Ian and Derek together. I have received the programme today.

The more I open my mother's boxes, the more amazing things I find. Just like this costume sketch. A drawing of Ian as Lucio in 'Measure for Measure', by Keith Price.

Young Ian at the time of the Birmingham Rep in Willis Hall's play, "The Long and the Short and the Tall". He was 25 years old and he played here a british soldier who fights against the Japaneses in the Malayan jungle during the WWII. A great shot by the official photographer of the Rep: Lisel Haas.

Ian as Prospero in The Tempest that I have had the privilege to watch with Mrs Richardson before the downlock. Ian was 37 years old and he has always thought that he was too young for playing the part. But as usual, he was absolutely brilliant.

Ian as Cassius in Julius Caesar in 1968.

Ian as Shalimov in Summerfolk. He received praise from the reviewers for his performance.

Ian as Buckingham in Terry Hands’s revival of Richard III at Stratford alongsides Norman Rodway (1970). I would do loved to see him on stage when he was one of the leading actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. I know more about him day after day by opening my mother’s boxes. Photo by the talented Joe Cocks.

Ian as Vendice alongside Helen Mirren in The Revenger’s Tragedy (RSC/1967). Peter Roberts wrote about Ian’s performance in Plays and Players in this following way :

Ian and his wife Maroussia in January 10th, 1961. Beautiful people. And Delightful and witty Maroussia. What a wonderful time spent with her last Friday in Battersea, London !