Two Halves of Guinness Theatre & Performing Arts

Zeb Soanes to star in Two Halves of Guinness, a celebration of the life of Sir Alec Guinness

With nearly 70 plays, 50 films, over a dozen television dramas, and two Oscars to his name, Sir Alec Guinness’ career spanned Shakespeare, the beloved Ealing comedies, and Hollywood classics. Yet he feared he would only be remembered for one role: Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

Two Halves of Guinness is a witty, heartfelt tour through Guinness’ extraordinary life and career - his encounters with John Gielgud, Shakespeare and the galaxy of stage and screen stars who shaped his journey.

Acclaimed broadcaster and actor Zeb Soanes stars as Alec Guinness. Known as one of the most recognisable voices in the UK through his years on BBC Radio 4 (Today Programme, Shipping Forecast) and now on Classic FM, Soanes also acted in numerous BBC radio dramas alongside David Warner, Toby Jones, and Simon Russell Beale. When Soanes was 17 years old, he wrote a letter of admiration to Sir Alec Guinness - his hero - and received a neatly hand-written reply within a week, wishing him luck in his career. Now, decades later, Soanes embodies Guinness on stage, lending his rich voice and virtuosity to once again breathe life into the legendary actor and the unforgettable figures who shaped his career.

Zeb Soanes comments, Alec Guinness had an enigmatic quality that drew you into his performances - to join him in whichever game he was playing. His ability to inhabit such a vast array of characters, exploring the many faces of himself, was hugely appealing to me when I was growing up and inspired me to pursue a career in acting. Now, 25 years since his death, it is a delight to celebrate his remarkable talent - and in many of the theatres he knew.

Written by Mark Burgess (Einstein in Cromer with David Suchet; The Wrong Hero; A King’s Speech for BBC Radio 4), the play combines Burgess’ sharp storytelling with the seasoned hand of director Selina Cadell (Twelfth Night; Uncle Vanya, Donmar Warehouse; Great Expectations, Garrick Theatre; Hamlet starring Eddie Izzard). Set design is by Lee Newby (Starter for Ten, Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Rep; Barnum, Watermill Theatre; The Last Five Years, Garrick Theatre) and music is by Eliza Thompson whose credits span film, television, and theatre, including The Madness of King George (1994), The Importance of Being Earnest (2002), and Eddie Izzard’s Hamlet.

Produced by Julian Bird for Green Room Ents, Two Halves of Guinness offers a rare chance to rediscover one of Britain’s finest actors beyond the Jedi robe, with wit, warmth, and theatrical imagination.

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