Cultural Life: Tamsin Greig, actress

Theatre/opera
I used to sneak over to the National's Lyttelton theatre to hear bits of 'August: Osage County' over the tannoy, while we performed 'Gethsemane' in the Cottesloe. It was so intriguing; like overhearing a neighbour's conversation. I wondered if I'd be disappointed when I went to a matinee performance – but no, it was absolutely fabulous.
Film
I thought 'The Reader' was a fantastic story; the awkwardness of society having to deal with generational guilt. I read the book before I saw the film. David Hare, who also directs 'Gethsemane', wrote the screenplay. I was interested in what elements worked cinematically. Kate Winslet can do no wrong.
Books
I've just read Barack Obama's first book, 'Dreams from My Father', about his upbringing and early days, until he became the first African-American president of the 'Harvard Law Review'. I was blown away by it: he really can write.
Art
The last exhibition I went to was Rothko at Tate Modern. The more you sit there, the more you see. You have to give yourself time for the paintings to come to you.
Following a sell-out run at the National Theatre, 'Gethsemane' is touring to Windsor, Newcastle, Cambridge, Bath and Brighton from 3 March to 4 April (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments