About The Dresser

The Dresser is a riveting drama released in 2016 depicting the behind-the-scenes dramatics of a theatre production during World War II. The narrative, based on Ronald Harwood's play of the same name, focuses on the relationship between 'Sir', an ageing actor manager, and his dresser, Norman, as they grapple with the chaos of war, age, and the pressure of delivering a stellar performance of King Lear amidst it all.

Making / Production

The Dresser is directed by Richard Eyre, produced for television by the BBC, and Colin Callender’s Playground Entertainment. The film captures the personal and professional strains of theater life and the magic of performing on stage.

Actors

• Anthony Hopkins as 'Sir': Hopkins delivers a solid performance as the aging, dementia-ridden lead actor struggling to perform onstage while fighting his inner demons.
• Ian McKellen as 'Norman': Playing the loyal yet assertive dresser to Sir, McKellen presents a deeply emotive performance, capturing the nuanced complexities of his relationship with Sir.
• Emily Watson as 'Her Ladyship': Watson gives a memorable portrayal as Sir's long-suffering stage co-star and romantic partner.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Dresser is originally a play written by Ronald Harwood drawing from his real-life experiences as a dresser to English actor-manager Sir Donald Wolfit.
• Both Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins had never worked together before The Dresser, despite being two of Britain's most venerable actors.

Awards

While not winning, The Dresser was nominated for a variety of awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie, and acting nominations for Hopkins and McKellen at the British Academy Television Awards.

Quotes

• "We're not dying. We are in a state of heightened living." - Norman
• "In the theatre, the only disaster is to stop the show." - Sir

Music, Soundtrack

• The score for The Dresser is by Stephen Warbeck, known for his Academy Award-winning score for Shakespeare in Love.
• The soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the emotive highs and lows of a theatre production, and the personal dramas occurring backstage.