fatalcookies asked: Hello again, Mr. Richardson! I realized with a touch of sadness today that, as the semester draws to a close, I will soon be out of the time zone in which your posts appear at reasonable hours of the day on my dashboard. I thought I would write to say that I shall miss it. And! In the light of traveling (as you seem to have traveled widely, yourself!) I wanted to ask: What is your favorite place(s) you've visited? Regards as always! Jennie
My Dear Jennie,
I’m sure my inane ramblings are not of such import that reading them imminently is going to make my pithy remarks anymore enlightening or entertaining. You’ll just have to scroll! Places, places…I have traveled quite widely I suppose. One of the great advantages of my profession is that it often takes you to places one wouldn’t normally choose as a destination. I would never have seen Petra for example or the war ravaged city of Basra. Felt the hush of the Lincoln memorial or ached with cold in Greenland. Stood in the shadow of Mount Fuji or cruised down the Danube if a production company hadn’t picked up the bill. How often have I turned to a colleague and said “We’re being paid for this!”. Favorite places often are not the ones which are the most spectacular, but the ones that fill you with a feeling of content. Climbing a deserted mountain peak in Scotland and coming across a still, ice cold lake at three thousand feet and diving in, in the buff, is one such moment. Sitting in a bar on the Avenue Foch in Paris, sipping a Cote du Rhone watching the world go by or sailing a small ketch on the red sea are others. I feel blessed that I live in south west Warwickshire and am on the threshold of some of the most ‘English’ of English countryside. I also, now that I no longer live there, enjoy walking the streets of London. Once a very grubby, down at heel, place but now, one of the most enjoyable cities in the world. I suppose it’s easier to say what places one doesn’t like. I have no desire to return to the depression that is Romania and Britain’s second city, Birmingham, is a disgrace. Sometimes, of course, the journey is better than the destination. For many years, my parents lived in the south of France. I would drive down from the north to the south every year, choosing a different route and stopping of for a night or two in different places on the way, which was often more fun than the two weeks or so, I spent at their villa. I fear I haven’t really answered your question have I? I suppose the answer is that anywhere can be good, given the right mindset. Miles
The Moment of Truth | Southwark Playhouse - Theatre + Bar -
What I’m doing next.
Peter Ustinov’s largely forgotten play is about the mechanics of toppling governments, the pretences of war and the power of propaganda.
wrestlergirl21 asked: Hi, I enjoy the gallifrey audios you appear in i just started listening to them what other audios do you appear in?
Hello,
I’m glad you enjoy the Gallifrey audios. I confess that I don’t know whats happening half the time, but a very nice crowd of people to work for. I play the same character, Irving Braxiatel, in the Bernice Summerfield audios. Though, it isn’t quite the same Irving, if you get my drift. In fact there is quite a few of them out there. It’s hard to keep track sometimes. Miles
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Anonymous asked: Hello, Mr Richardson. Thanks a lot for answering my previous question. By the way it was really nice to know that you like Boris Akunin's novels :) And in connection with it I wanted to ask, is there any place where you'd like to travel, but didn't get a chance to do so? With love, Liza.
Dear Liza,
This might sound a bit weird but: Tierra Del Fuego. Obviously not a romantic destination but exciting don’t you think?
Anonymous asked: Hello, Mr Richardson. Thank you for answering the previous question. I can't but agree with you about "proper" paper books. A book is not quite real if you can't touch a page. Well, my question is somehow inspired by the book on my bedside-table: who is your favourite historical figure? One you admire or maybe even would like to meet? And do you have a person who inspires you in acting or simply in life? Best regards, Mary.
Dear Mary,
There is an old adage: ‘Books furnish a room’. In my case they not only furnish it, they insulate as well!
As to historical figures: There are so many. But if I was to choose just one of the top of my head for a dinner date it would be Francis Burnaby. Tissot did a great portrait of him:
Actually, having Tissot and Burnaby would be ideal.
As to actors who have inspired me: Well, my father would be top of the list, if only for the fact I learned so much over the years just by observation. Paul Schofield has always been the ‘Actor’s Actor’. I have a fondness for Roger Livesey and George Saunders as well. All now dead of course.
As to the living, well Mark Rylance and Daniel Day Lewis are always watchable. You never stop learning as an actor, as long as you aren’t afraid ( or to grand) to ask advice. Observation is as useful as practice in my line of work.
Best Wishes, Miles.
Anonymous asked: Hope you had fun in Budapest! Also, love the 'stache!
I’m filming there again this summer….and so is the ‘stache!
envyincarnate asked: Hello! I'm a huge Doctor Who fan, as well as a writer and hope to be a professional actor one day. I understand you may have answered this, or decided not to answer it in the past, but do you have any advice on auditioning for Big Finish audio dramas/writing stories for them? What is the process on that?
Hello there, I’m going to be straight up and say that I just don’t know. I had already been a professional actor for twenty years before I was asked to be in a Big Finish audio. Some actors are chosen because they have pedigree, IE: John Leeson, Colin Baker etc. Others seem be just ‘found’ like myself or come recommended. I have noticed that quite a few are big Dr Who fans to begin with, so maybe that was a shoe-in. I think, in the past, Big Finished did a ‘Win your self a part’ competition, but I don’t think they make a habit of it. As to writing, well, I just wrote one and sent it off to one of the producers. They liked it and also had a space available on a box set, so they used it. The fact that I had been working with them for 10 years might have had something to do with it of course! I think your best bet would be to ask someone higher up the pecking order, like Lisa Bowerman or Scott Handcock. They might be able to give you more constructive advice. Good Luck!
Speaking of ancient photo’s: Here’s one of me with Katy McGrath and Sam Hughden. Freezing our butt’s of in Romania.