Hollywood star Sir Patrick Stewart would face Armageddon in the company of fellow actors.
That’s the surprising revelation in a new book on theatre ensembles by University of Huddersfield lecturer John Britton.
He has examined the world of ensemble theatre and has enlisted the help of many experts from across the world to help.
Sir Patrick, who is Chancellor of the University. has offered his contribution and talks of how he would face the end of the world.
The book concludes with the thoughts of the Mirfield-born star.
“It is a beautiful little contribution,” says Britton.
“Sir Patrick says that when he started off he was in a school play and discovered the importance of a group.
“Then he writes about repertory theatre and films like The X Men and he finally says that if the planet is about to blow up and there is going to be Armageddon, he will be in the green room with the actors because that’s what it’s all about – just being there with your colleagues.
“Something magical happens between the artists when they are working together.”
Britton, who has been a Senior Lecturer in Performance at the University of Huddersfield since 2004, has directed and performed in dance, physical theatre, opera, youth theatre and radio, and written for the stage and radio.
The new book that he has compiled, edited and co-authored is aimed at students, teachers, researchers and practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the history, conceptual foundations and practicalities of ensemble theatre.
Encountering Ensemble, by John Britton, is published by Bloomsbury Academic.
