Theatre
Playing the Victor
He’s one of the most durable figures in British sitcom and is one of Scotland’s best loved actors. But
RICHARD WILSON is also one of our most accomplished directors. V.’ords. Steve Cramer
and I say I'm directing.‘ says Richard Wilson. ‘I often get the reply: “()h. when did you start doing that?" They look surprised when I say. was. actually.~ It‘s got to be a curse for Richard Wilson. For years. he has been one of the most respected directors in the British theatre. but it‘s been well over a decade since he created Victor Meldrew. and now most of Britain‘s population identify him with this one character. liven as an actor. it must be annoying that the man who has created so many theatre characters is so often identified with only one. We begin our interview in the courtyard of the liast London arts centre where Playing I/It' l'it'rim is being rehearsed. liarly on. we're interrupted by the warm-up of a
‘ I tneet people these days. and they ask what I‘m doing.
64 THE LIS'I’ FESTIVAL GUIDE ‘ 1.: Aug; ‘3
band in the adjacent cafe. and are forced to wander down an unknown street until a spit and sawdust corner pub appears. As we enter the place and he orders us drinks. it occurs to me what a patient soul this tnan is. He's at the end of a long day of rehearsal. and has a long interview in front of him. but aside from the briefest flicker of irritation at the band — an understandable reaction » he shows an openhearted friendliness throughout.
As we continue our chat. two middle-aged gee/ers arrive. pints in hand. at the table nest to us. Wilson doesn‘t seem to notice when one looks at us and mutters something to his mate. The other looks over at us and back at his pal. shaking his head. His pal becomes insistent and audible: ‘lt's ‘im. stand on me.‘ After a few years of this I'd want to do just that