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Even before watching it, I yearned to because to put it quite simply, I knew it would be good. Verily, I was more than half expecting to be blown away by this one-off TV version, and indeed I was. Directed by another legend, Sir Richard Eyre, The Dresser came to life for a new generation and it was beautiful to behold.
Set in a war-torn London theatre, in the space of one showing of King Lear during the blitz, The Dresser sees Sir Anthony Hopkins as Sir, an ageing actor who whilst seasoned in experience and talent, is losing his grip on life and reality. He is aided by Norman, played by Sir Ian McKellen as his dresser backstage, who as well as being his constant source of support and guidance, is equal to him in sheer character. As if that wasn't enough, we are also treated to great appearences of further acting royalty in the form of Emily Watson and Sarah Lancashire, plus an extended cameo from Edward Fox.
The cast is of course great, but the performance level each one of them delivers throughout is nothing short of phenomenal. The whole thing is shot beautifully, with perfectly pitched music and cinematography; but you cannot deny the stellar, powerhouse performances as the main thrust of the whole affair.
Sir Anthony Hopkins is instantly formidable yet terribly fragile as Sir, moving from heart-wrenching tender embers to booming bursts of power instantly. His every look, his every sound and every gesture as Sir once again proves (as if we needed any more proof) that he is one of the finest acting talents of all time. And we also get another, often standing right beside him. Sir Ian McKellen as Norman is delightfully perfect. A lovely mix of hilarious humour, cracking northern wit (it was a joy to see McKellen hark back to his roots!) steely determination, loveable charm and tragic despair, all rolled up, intertwined and presented into the marvel that McKellen is as Norman.
Individually the two great stars are amazing; together they are sublime. Instant rapport, instant play off each other and instant chemistry that (despite this being the first time in their long careers that they have acted together) feels like it has lasted a lifetime.
Supporting them is the serenely majestic and tragically beautiful Emily Watson who is equally delightful to watch as Her Ladyship to Hopkins' Sir. She too fits supremely and effortlessly into the perfect pool of chemistry that the characters provide. Potently punching into this every so often in the plot, we also have the gem that is Sarah Lancashire. On paper hers is the character who may be seen to be the most supporting, but the presence she offers and the delicate serenity she gives to match Hopkins, McKellen and Watson scene-by-scene means she is certainly not overshadowed.
Together this cast takes on a majestically understated journey through one performance of King Lear that is earth-shattering - to the characters and to us the audience.
I cannot be more supportive of the BBC for giving us the likes of this, nor can I be more praising of The Dresser, and I urge you to watch it. Not just for the great names featured - but to simply watch and enjoy as they do what they do best.
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