Glenn Ford

I don't know if anyone agrees, but it is a tragedy that so few people know of Simon Russell Beale. His personal preference for live theatre is praiseworthy and anyone who has seen him live will know that he is clearly the greatest actor of his generation, whatever that means, but I just wish he would make some film appearences so that the wider public could witness his genius. Come to think about it, perhaps it's better that he remains theatre's best kept secret because tickets to see him are hard enough to get as it is.

Gazza

I've had the privilege of working with Simon RB - a lovely, lovely man and a truly great actor. He's about to open at the National with Pinter's A Slight Ache and Landscape.

Hugo

He was of course in Kenneth Branagh's film of Hamlet as Second Gravedigger, a very small role that is usually omitted, but Simon RB made a real meal of the part, in the best possible way. I agree we should see more of him.

susanduic

And Orlando

susanduic

Nick Dando

Mark Rylance is an actor in a similar vein. I've only caught him in a few things on TV - Richard II and Measure for Measure, and the Government Inspector. I tried to watch Institute Benjamenta but have yet to succeed in finishing it.

Nick

CaptainWaggett

Simon Russell Beale has said in interviews that he assumed the offers would come flooding in after Dance to the Music of Time but it just didn't happen. As Glenn Ford says, the film goers' loss is London theatre audience's gain.

He's very good indeed in the 1990s Persuasion, managing to convey with a single look and a sighed 'Oh, Ann', that he's still in love with Amanda Root, years after being turned down.

Glenn Ford

Mark Rylance was amazing when he was at the Globe. Seeing him play Richard II was a life changing experience.