In a remarkable gathering that bridges four decades of British television history, acclaimed actor Charles Dance has reunited with his former The Jewel in the Crown co-stars for a powerful new theatrical project.
The 78-year-old screen legend, best known to modern audiences as the formidable Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones, was pictured alongside Dame Geraldine James OBE and Pamela Miles, the widow of their late co-star Tim Pigott-Smith. The reunion comes over forty years after the trio starred in the groundbreaking ITV series that defined a generation of television drama.
The occasion marked a poignant and professional homecoming as the actors prepare to share the stage in Looking at Lucian, a new play by Stephen Sobal. The production, described by Dance himself as a 'geriatric love triangle', explores the complex relationships in the later life of renowned painter Lucian Freud.
A Legacy Revisited
The original series, The Jewel in the Crown, adapted from Paul Scott's The Raj Quartet, was a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1984. It told the story of the final years of British rule in India, with Dance playing the morally ambiguous civil servant Guy Perron, while James portrayed the ambitious Sarah Layton.
The show's critical and commercial success catapulted its cast to international fame and set a new standard for television period dramas. This reunion serves as a testament to the enduring bonds formed during that seminal production.
Returning to the Stage
The forthcoming play represents a significant return to theatre for all involved. Charles Dance, whose career has spanned prestigious stage performances alongside his screen work, appears genuinely enthused about the project. He was photographed smiling and embracing his former colleagues, a clear display of their enduring camaraderie.
Dame Geraldine James, celebrated for her roles in Sherlock and The Queen, brings her considerable dramatic weight to the production. The involvement of Pamela Miles adds a deeply personal layer to the reunion, honouring the memory of Tim Pigott-Smith, who played a central role in the original series and passed away in 2017.
This collaboration of esteemed British acting talent promises to be a highlight of the theatre season, offering audiences a chance to witness a piece of television history while experiencing a compelling new drama about art, love, and ageing.
