Shakespeare Masterclass for College Students

Vocational Performing Arts students at The Henley College were fortunate to welcome actor Ian Cullen this week, for an intensive Shakespeare master class.

Ian trained at RADA and has been a working professional since the 1960s, when he was a regular on the BBC series Z Cars. He has gone on to enjoy a varied stage and film career, including three years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ian also holds the notable achievement of having the longest gap between appearances on the BBC’s Doctor Who (48 years) and last year he worked with Henley College lecturer Neil McCurley on a production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol¸ playing the role of Scrooge.

Nic Saunders, Head of Performing Arts, said: ‘It’s fantastic that someone of Ian’s calibre will work with the students and give them the benefit of his vast experience, especially in working with Shakespearean texts. Not only is Shakespeare a key part of the second year of the BTEC course, but students wanting to continue after Henley into drama school or university will often have to audition with a classical monologue, so getting the chance to learn from Ian is extraordinarily valuable.’

Student Ben Cooper said: ‘Ian’s workshop was both entertaining and educational and it was exciting to work with an actor who’s had such an incredible career as he’s had.’