Laurence Olivier: The making of an icon

Sir Ian McKellen recently unveiled an English Heritage Blue Plaque at 22 Lupus Street in London’s Pimlico. That was the childhood home of the man many still regard as the greatest actor of the twentieth century: Sir Laurence Olivier. We were there to capture the moment, including a remarkable impromptu performance of Shakespeare’s Henry V’s speech before Agincourt, delivered from the steps of the house just before revealing the plaque! Join Amy and English Heritage historian Howard Spencer as they explore what made Olivier an extraordinary talent. Alongside Sir Ian, hear from the Guardian’s Michael Billington who witnessed many of Olivier’s legendary stage performances; Society of London Theatre President Kash Bennett; and Indhu Rubasingham, Director of the National Theatre, which was founded by Olivier. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a theatrical giant whose influence continues to shape theatre and acting today. Join English Heritage: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/⁠    Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.*      Support our work: ⁠https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/⁠       The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.       *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices