Out of all the theatrical roles out there, why Macbeth?
If you’re a serious, classical actor there are certain roles that you must experience. I’ve already missed out on Romeo and Hamlet; they’re not going to happen. But not to have played Macbeth, who is one of the great tragic roles in a very great, though difficult play, would have been hugely disappointing to me. I’ve been wanting to play it for many, many years.

You’ve said Kate Fleetwood, who plays Lady Macbeth, has become almost a mother figure to you because she looks after you. In what ways do you mean?
We’ve become very, very good friends, Kate and I, and we trust one another very deeply and we depend on one another onstage. But in other parts of my life, my personal life and so forth, Kate has become a, rather than say mother figure, let’s say mother confessor. She listens to my problems and issues and she is very patient and gives me wonderful advice.

Your performance of Macbeth has been highlighted for its focus and intensity. Is that tough to bring every night, especially given that you’re approaching 70?
Well it’s a tough job doing classical theater and I remember when I was young being very impressed when I read that Lawrence Olivier had said, “If you’re going to be a classical you must be as fit as an athlete.” And I believe in that. And 17 years of living in California helps, people take care of themselves over there and it just became a habit to me. I hope that I’m going to go on playing these parts for a long, long time. But they require a huge amount of energy so I try to keep myself as healthy as possible. I rest a great deal, eat sensibly and sleep as much as I can.

This production is fairly gory. Has that been difficult?
My fingernails are never going to be clear of the blood until this production ends because I get my hands bloodied twice each evening [laughs]. I do remember once, after a show in London, the theatre was on the very edge of Soho and late at night on a weekend it can get a little bit rough around there. I passed the police who had a couple of young guys against the wall and to my surprise they were examining their hands. It suddenly occurred to me if the police stop me and look at my hands they’re going to want to know where this blood came from [laughs].

So what’s in store for you after Macbeth is over?
I’ll start rehearsal for Hamlet in Stratford. I’m playing Claudius and King Hamlet; I’m doubling the two brothers. So just as long as I get a good rest I’ll be happy.

(photo by Shaun Webb/courtesy Chichester Festival Theatre)