Tribute to Ian Richardson
12 February 2007
Michael Boyd and Peter Hall pay tribute to Ian Richardson, a founding member of the RSC, who died on Friday 9 February.
'Ian was an actor in Peter Hall’s first RSC ensemble in 1960. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s he performed in over 23 of Shakespeare’s 37 plays for the company, in roles that included Angelo, Coriolanus, Don John, Malcolm, Mr Ford, Oberon, Pericles, Richard II / Bollingbrooke, Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Prospero, as well as his share of Lords and Old Gentlemen.
'As a valued Honorary Associate Artist of the company, appearing most recently for the RSC in a production of The Hollow Crown in 2002, he kept a keen and interested eye on our work, coming to see productions in Stratford-upon-Avon and London, and feeding into conversations about how we are as a company, and the lessons that we can learn from the past.
'His growth as an actor during his time with the company, and his commitment to that company over so many years is the embodiment of all that we are working towards now in terms of an artistic identity that is defined by ensemble.
'Ian was one of the first actors to sign up for a three year contract in 1960. His son Miles, is a member of my Histories ensemble, who will be with us for 2 ½ years.
We are all saddened by the loss of a friend, and a founding member of the company and our thoughts are with his family.'
Michael Boyd
'Ian Richardson was a classical actor of grace and elegance coupled with brilliant comic timing. He was one of the first actors to sign on when I founded the RSC in 1960 and he remained with the Company for many years giving an array of outstanding performances.
'He was a perfectionist, with a gift for verse speaking which inspired a generation.
'Later in his career he had great and deserved success on television when his acclaimed performance as the machiavellian politician Francis Urquhart brought his talent to a huge new audience.
'I am deeply sorry to hear of his death which will leave our profession the poorer.'
Sir Peter Hall
