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Adrian Lester Remembers... Company

Actor Adrian Lester looks back on the celebrated 1996 Donmar Warehouse revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Company.

Actor Adrian Lester looks back on the 1996 Donmar Warehouse production of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company.

First performed over 50 years ago, Company still has the power to enthral today. At its heart is Bobby, played by Adrian in the celebrated Donmar revival, a confirmed singleton but constant friend to a variety of couples. He acts as a prism through which we explore their characters and relationships, while also illustrating the age-old question, is it better to be single or married?

Adrian describes his love of the production and the new interpretations to it that director Sam Mendes brought. He tells us why he was astonished when Mendes asked him to lead the show and of the joy of pushing himself in new directions. And he talks through his favourite songs, Side by Side, Barcelona and You Could Drive a Person Crazy.

Sondheim鈥檚 lyrics describe Bobby as 'always a flirt but never a threat, reminds us of our birthdays which we always forget'. Sit yourself down in the company of Adrian Lester as he tells you about what he calls one of the most difficult parts he has tackled in his long career.

29 days left to watch

18 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest Adrian Lester
Producer Andrew Wiltshire
Series Producer Simon Goretzki

Broadcast