Vanessa Redgrave speaks to Central students

Vanessa Redgrave (Stage 57) returned to Central, her alma mater, for the first time in over 50 years, to speak to a packed audience of acting students and staff about a lifetime on the stage and in front of the camera.

Redgrave, one of the world’s best known and best loved actors, was interviewed on the School’s famous Embassy Theatre stage, by Geoffrey Colman, Head of Acting at Central.  She talked animatedly about preparing for a role:

“You have to know the circumstances in which your character lived. What your character wants to do, her objective, is more important than who she is. Preparation and detail are critical.”

Colman, commenting about the event, said: "Her work shows absolute mastery of all that is elusive about acting - she is one of the truly great performers of stage and screen.  It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to interview her.”

“She specifically asked to meet with acting students, who were released from rehearsals for the event.  It’s a shame we couldn’t have included more students in the audience, but those who were there were greatly inspired by her low key attitude and approach.”

Redgrave comes from a long line of actors, including other Central graduates, sister Lynn Redgrave (Stage 61) and daughter Natasha Richardson (Stage 83).