Rehearsals for Springwood at Hampstead Theatre
At the Hampstead Theatre in London, the cast of Springwood is immersed in rehearsals for a new play by Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson. Set in 1939, the story revolves around a picnic hosted by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt for King George VI and his family, in an effort to strengthen the “special relationship” between the UK and the US as tensions rise across Europe, reports BritPanorama.
The actors, led by Robert Lindsay in the role of FDR, are currently rehearsing a scene where the King is introduced to the American delicacy known as “hot dogs.”
“How do you eat a hot dog?” inquires the future Queen Elizabeth. “I believe with your hands,” replies the King, somewhat unsure.
During a break, Lindsay tries on a pair of pince-nez glasses reminiscent of those worn by Roosevelt. He settles down with a copy of What’s on TV magazine and exclaims, “They work! I can read!”
A few moments later, in a quiet upstairs room, the 76-year-old is enjoying a protein bar and a large cup of tea. He appears energetic, despite some hearing difficulties. He explains how the play has captivated him entirely, mentioning that he has been consuming YouTube clips from the era and reading extensively about Roosevelt, whom he describes as “a remarkable man” who garnered great respect for his New Deal policies during the Great Depression.
He expresses disappointment at how the present-day “special relationship” has deteriorated, referring to King Charles as “an extraordinary man” yet revealing discomfort with the King’s recent meeting with former President Donald Trump. “I just felt: ‘Why? Why is he visiting this idiot?!’” he remarks.
Robert Lindsay’s career spans nearly 60 years, gaining fame in John Sullivan’s sitcom Citizen Smith, where he portrayed a charismatic working-class revolutionary. However, he found the fame overwhelming and left after three series, causing a rift with Sullivan.
Reflecting on pivotal moments, Lindsay notes how his return to television with My Family in 2000 was motivated by financial necessity following a breakup. He candidly admits, “Oh, I did it for the money,” though the show attracted millions of viewers each week.
Despite his talents, Lindsay struggled to find success in films. He cites a troubling encounter with producer Harvey Weinstein during the filming of Loser Takes All, later retitled Strike It Rich. This experience, coupled with the fallout from Weinstein’s notorious practices, hindered Lindsay’s film career despite earlier aspirations.
Lindsay reflects on other notable roles, including a portrayal of Aristotle Onassis opposite Nicole Kidman in Grace of Monaco, and encounters with industry colleagues like Alan Rickman, whose critique of the film’s timing proved prescient.
Though disillusioned by setbacks, Lindsay embraces the ups and downs of the acting profession, taking inspiration from an encouraging conversation with Dustin Hoffman about resilience in the face of failure.
Conversing about his upbringing in Derbyshire, Lindsay recounts his mother’s optimistic spirit and how it cultivated a world of imagination for him and his siblings. However, the realities of a career in acting brought unexpected challenges, contributing to ongoing struggles with depression.
Today, after 30 years of marriage to Rosemarie Ford and raising two sons, Lindsay finds solace in continuing to work. He acknowledges feeling nervous about Springwood, but views this discomfort as a positive challenge.
As the interview concludes, he humorously remarks about needing to take a quick break, illustrating a candid moment amidst his reflections.
Springwood is at the Hampstead Theatre, London, until 25 July.
