Transcript (en)

What a piece of work as a man. How noble in reason. Was that Shakespeare? Bit of how much? Most people just tell us what they've had for breakfast. This is Ian Charleston. He was in Chariots of Fire. You've been in one of the most celebrated films of all time. Yes, and all anyone can ever remember is the theme music. Oh, well. I just wish I had something decent to audition for. The National Theatre are doing Hamlet. They have someone in mind. Who? You, darling. It's the greatest part that you can play in the greatest theatre. Put some antiseptic on that for you. Oh, don't worry, it's only time. My job is to try to prolong life. I could extend the time you have. But not if I play Hamlet. This play is an Everest. I can't let you risk your health. I choose to do it I want to do it I used to look at middle queens and think please never let me get that old No it please Please just let me make it till Friday lunchtime If you're going to play this part, there is to be no more talk of death. It might be tricky. It's one of the central themes of the play. Here hung those lips that I have kissed. And I don't know how... Did we love each other? Or is it real? When it comes to life. and living. It's quality that I want. Hamlet again. It's always been Hamlet. Your friends are doing this with you. I never wanted to lie to you, Dad. They make us into liars, and then they make us ashamed of it. I don't want pity. I won't be a victim. My responsibility is the preservation of life. And so is mine. But not just its preservation. Its glory.