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Adrian Lester Remembers Company

Actor Adrian Lester looks back on the 1996 Donmar Warehouse production of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company. \n\nFirst performed over 50 years ago, Company still has the power to enthral today. At its heart is Bobby, played by Adrian in the celebrated Donmar revival, a confirmed singleton but constant friend to a variety of couples. He acts as a prism through which we explore their characters and relationships, while also illustrating the age-old question, is it better to be single or married?\n\nAdrian describes his love of the production and the new interpretations to it that director Sam Mendes brought. He tells us why he was astonished when Mendes asked him to lead the show and of the joy of pushing himself in new directions. And he talks through his favourite songs, Side by Side, Barcelona and You Could Drive a Person Crazy. \n\nSondheim’s lyrics describe Bobby as 'always a flirt but never a threat, reminds us of our birthdays which we always forget'. Sit yourself down in the company of Adrian Lester as he tells you about what he calls one of the most difficult parts he has tackled in his long career.

Source: BBC 4