Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford

We are delighted to welcome Sir Derek Jacobi to the Watermill Theatre for an unforgettable afternoon of stories, insight, and Shakespearean brilliance.

One of the great giants of British theatre and screen, Sir Derek’s extraordinary career spans more than sixty years and has earned him BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Actors Guild and Tony Awards, as well as a knighthood for services to theatre from Queen Elizabeth II.

From humble beginnings in Essex to a scholarship at Cambridge, Derek’s journey has been remarkable. Working alongside contemporaries such as Ian McKellen and Trevor Nunn, he became renowned for his mastery of classical theatre, with Shakespeare at the heart of his work. His performances in Hamlet and Othello are widely regarded as definitive, and he has appeared in almost every major Shakespearean role.

Beyond the stage, Sir Derek’s screen career is equally distinguished. His acclaimed credits include I, Claudius, Gladiator, Gladiator II, Last Tango in Halifax, The Crown, The Day of the Jackal, Gosford Park, Nanny McPhee and The King’s Speech. He has also enchanted younger audiences as the narrator of the beloved BBC children’s series In the Night Garden. Few actors can claim such breadth, longevity, and impact.

The afternoon will be hosted by actor and director Richard Clifford. Richard’s extensive career includes film roles in Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Frankenstein and Murder on the Orient Express (all directed by Kenneth Branagh), as well as My Week With Marilyn and Justice League. His television work includes The Crown and It’s A Sin, and his theatre credits range from Amadeus at Chichester to Henry V in the West End. For over 20 years, Richard has also directed productions at Washington’s Folger Shakespeare Theatre.

With Richard guiding the conversation - and as Sir Derek’s partner of many decades - audiences can expect a warm, insightful and entertaining afternoon filled with stories, reflections on a remarkable life in the arts, and a shared love of Shakespeare and performance.