Shakespeare takes centre stage with Alex Waldmann

English Literature students enjoyed getting an actor's perspective of Shakespeare when Alex Waldmann visited York St John University on Thursday 18 October.

Alex has just completed a very successful season with the Royal Shakespeare Company playing the title role in King John to great acclaim as well as a detailed nuanced performance as Catesby in Richard III. Alex's previous experience of playing Shakespearean roles has included being cast as Laertes in Hamlet, which starred Jude Law as Hamlet. He will be returning to the Royal Shakespeare Company next year.

Alex visited York St John University to work with third level English Literature students on their The Study of Shakespeare module.

Julie Raby, Acting Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts at York St John University, said: "Alex’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to discuss the plays that they are studying with an actor currently working with a world renowned theatre company such as the Royal Shakespeare Company. The visit encouraged the students to consider the plays in a performance context and explore how performance interpretations can illuminate the text."