‘Like a tired boxer, battered by applause’: as Andrew Scott’s biopic premieres, Richard Eyre remembers Ian Charleson’s superb, near-death Hamlet

In 1989, the Chariots of Fire actor took on the incredible task of playing Shakespeare’s prince while terminally ill from Aids.

This weekend sees the world premiere of Elsinore, a new film about the episode, itself heavily-tipped for awards Ian Charleson was one of the finest actors of his generation and an important figure in the fight for gay rights.

Yet the extraordinary circumstances of his final performance as Hamlet, just months before his death, are less familiar. Now, a new film is bringing that haunting production back to life.

Elsinore, directed by Simon Stone and starring Andrew Scott as the Scottish actor, will premiere at Telluride this weekend before opening the London film festival in October. Continue reading...