“It chooses you” – Richard E. Grant

As a student, I played Ivan Khlestakov in The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol.  For inspiration while developing the character I was advised by my director, Andrew Buckland, to watch a film that I’ll never forget: Withnail and I.  It was the first time I saw Richard E. Grant on screen and I’ve been acutely aware of this fellow Southern African ever since.

He has forged an impressive career and most recently won a slew of awards for his role in Can You Ever Forgive Me (including BAFTA and Oscar nominations)Before jetting off to La La Land for the Oscars, Spotlight caught some of his thoughts on being an actor: