John Bell and Paul Kildea: Shakespeare and influences on Australian theatre

Chamber of Musical Curiosities

In the third episode of the Chamber of Musical Curiosities podcast, Paul Kildea is joined by actor, producer, director and author John Bell, known for his influence on the development of Australian theatre through the 20th century. Together they reminisce on Paul's first encounter with John's work in 1984, his fond memories of University years, and leaving Australia to join the Royal Shakespeare Company; the moment in his life where he "really learned what acting was about". John touches on his time running Nimrod Theatre Company, before a period of freelancing which would inevitably lead to founding the Bell Shakespeare company in 1990, and the motivations behind this pivotal moment in his life. John and Paul then lead the conversation in a musical direction, discussing the use of music in Shakespearean productions.