BBC Arts will celebrate the life of Sir Antony Sher on BBC Four on Sunday 16 January with an evening of programmes dedicated to the acclaimed actor, who died in December 2021. 

The centrepiece will be a repeat screening of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry IV Part I (8pm), in which Antony plays the loveable rogue, Falstaff. Directed by Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director and Antony’s husband, the production originally opened Stratford-upon-Avon in 2014, followed by a UK tour, a season in London and performances in China.

Henry IV Part I will be preceded by Antony Sher and Gregory Doran in conversation with Sue MacGregor (7pm), originally broadcast in 2015, in which Antony and Gregory talk about their shared passion for Shakespeare and their stage work together, including their remarkable collection of productions at the RSC. 

There will also be another chance to see Mark Lawson Talks To Antony Sher (10.45pm). Originally broadcast in 2009, the interview features Antony discussing growing up as a white South African, working with Gregory Doran and bringing Shakespeare to life.

Antony had a long association with the RSC, where he was also an Honorary Associate Artist. His hugely celebrated career on stage and screen included Olivier Awards for his roles in the RSC production of Richard III, Pam Gems’ Stanley at the National Theatre, and Torch Song Trilogy in the West End. He attracted widespread critical acclaim for his performances including at the National Theatre in his one man show Primo and Uncle Vanya; at the Royal Court in Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine, and on film in Mrs Brown amongst others.

Productions at the RSC include the title role in King Lear, Falstaff in the Henry IV plays and Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. Earlier landmark performances included Leontes in The Winter’s Tale, Iago in Othello, Prospero in The Tempest and the title roles in Macbeth, Tamburlaine the Great, Peter Flannery’s Singer, Cyrano de Bergerac, as well as his career defining Richard III.

Summary of screenings dedicated to Sir Antony Sher on BBC Four, Sunday 16 January:

7pm - Antony Sher and Gregory Doran in conversation with Sue MacGregor

8pm - Henry IV Part I

10.45pm - Mark Lawson Talks To Antony Sher