As a seasoned theatergoer who has seen my fair share of productions, I must say that David Morrissey‘s portrayal of Thomas Gradgrind in BBC Radio 4’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Hard Times” is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to breathe life into such a complex character is truly commendable.
BBC Radio 4 is launching a fresh batch of plays based on Charles Dickens’ works, with “Hard Times” kicking things off this coming Sunday, 29th September.
David Morrissey portrays Thomas Gradgrind, a prosperous school administrator, businessman, and Member of Parliament who strongly advocates for practical, logical thinking.
Speaking to TopMob, Morrissey discusses why the writer’s work still feels as relevant as ever…
Were you introduced to Dickens as a child?
To clarify, neither Dickens nor Shakespeare were included in my school studies. It wasn’t until my twenties that I encountered these authors. Initially, the extensive nature of their books seemed daunting, but once I began reading them, I discovered that there was nothing intimidating about their language and they proved to be quite engaging.
It is now understood that he wrote these stories in episodes, resembling today’s soap operas, which kept everyone hooked. This is why newspaper owners adored them so much; Dickens was a significant factor driving paper sales. He skillfully used ‘cliffhanger’ endings and dramatic moments to keep readers engaged until the next installment.
In 1998, I portrayed Bradley Headstone in BBC Two’s Our Mutual Friend. This production delved into captivating characters, ranging from comical to tragic and even political. Similarly, Hard Times holds a contemporary political relevance. Admittedly, I didn’t encounter these works during my formal education, but upon first exposure, I was immediately drawn in and found myself deeply fascinated!
Tell us more about the connections you see to current politics in Hard Times.
“My bugbear for a long time has been people like Michael Gove when he was the Secretary of State for Education [2010–14]. He downgraded what he called ‘soft options’: arts, music, drama, media studies, things like that.
Essentially, he implied to a multitude of students educated within the state system that these particular subjects aren’t valuable. He suggested they should channel their efforts into mathematics, English, and science as these are the areas emphasized by businesses. This approach, unfortunately, tends to stifle imagination, creativity, and curiosity, as well as the appreciation for fantasy.
What relevance do you see between Dickens’s novels and contemporary times?
In contrast, when the discussion revolves around reducing the importance of arts education in public schools, it’s notable that certain private institutions boast theater and orchestra resources on par with the prestigious West End and the Royal Philharmonic Society.
I’m expressing the notion that access to the arts seems to be primarily enjoyed by the affluent, while it appears less accessible or even excluded to the working class. In essence, it feels like a message of exclusion: ‘It’s not for you.’
Historically, those in power have often viewed educating the public as a risky endeavor because it encourages people to become more inquisitive and informed. As a result, I hope that Labour is making difficult choices now and will eventually work towards constructing the kind of society I had envisioned for them.
What do you think Dickens would make of modern-day Britain?
As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on what might have been his reaction if he were to visit London today. I believe he would be taken aback by how little has evolved, yet also saddened by the changes along the River Thames and some of the architecture that has sprung up there. The cacophony and pollution would, undoubtedly, appall him.
It’s likely that many people living then believed that our society would evolve into a more equal and compassionate one as time progressed.
Are there any Dickens roles that you would love to play?
I find Dombey (from ‘Dombey and Son’) to be an intriguing character. He possesses a certain charm that has always captivated me. Much like Gradgrind, Dombey seems set in his ways, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. His rigidity stems from a deep grief; he was convinced of a predetermined path for himself, and having it taken away leaves him unable to embrace the present, as he remains shackled by the past.
One of my preferred works by Charles Dickens is titled “Night Walks.” Being a night owl, he often wandered around London at night, jotting down his thoughts and observations. It’s rich with musings on life, particularly the impoverished aspects of London. I find both the subject matter and the author himself, as a character, utterly captivating – Dickens was indeed a multifaceted person.
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Hard Times airs at 3pm on Sunday 29th September on BBC Radio 4.
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2024-09-24 16:04