Laurence Olivier has been honoured with an English Heritage blue plaque at his former home in Pimlico, central London, joining the ranks of David Garrick, Henry Irving, Oscar Wilde, and Noël Coward. The plaque was unveiled by Ian McKellen at 22 Lupus Street, where Olivier lived from the age of five to 12 and first discovered his acting talent under the watchful eye of his father, a curate at St Saviour's church across the road.
McKellen's Tribute
Ian McKellen remarked that it is the fate of actors to be forgotten 20 years after their death, but Olivier's memory lives on through a theatre and awards ceremony named after him, as well as the lasting glow of his performances. McKellen shared a personal anecdote: although he never acted with Olivier, he was briefly part of his National Theatre company at the Old Vic. When McKellen left, Olivier sent a message to his agent saying he was haunted by the spectre of lost opportunities. Later, after McKellen's performance of Macbeth at Stratford in 1976, Olivier left a note calling it the most achieved version of the play he had ever seen.
Memories of Olivier
McKellen also performed a rousing rendition of the "once more unto the breach" speech from Henry V, which Olivier had recorded for a campaign to save the Rose theatre. Reflecting on their shared experiences, McKellen noted that he and the journalist were fortunate to have seen Olivier perform in their teens, recalling specific moments from his Stratford Malvolio.
Indhu Rubasingham, the National Theatre's artistic director, spoke at the ceremony about Olivier's courage and vision in creating a National Theatre company from scratch, despite being too young to have seen him on stage.
Olivier's Early Influences
After the ceremony, a stroll across the road to St Saviour's church highlighted the profound impact it had on the young Olivier. He served as a choirboy and was deeply influenced by the sermons of his father and other preachers. Olivier later recalled how these preachers knew when to drop their voice, bellow about hellfire, slip in a gag, wax sentimental, turn solemn, or pronounce a blessing. It is not far-fetched to imagine that young Olivier learned the value of service in Pimlico, which would mark his entire career as an actor and director.
