Letters: Michael Pennington obituary
I was fortunate enough to witness Michael Pennington's performances in Royal Shakespeare Company productions that visited Newcastle during the final decades of the 20th century. His portrayal of Seán O'Casey's The Shadow of a Gunman remains etched in my memory, particularly the lacerating self-disgust he conveyed at the play's conclusion: "O Donal Davoren, poet and poltroon, poltroon and poet!"
In stark contrast, there was a moment in his interpretation of Shakespeare's Richard II where he captured the king's irresponsibility with a smirking grin, his mouth appearing to chew gum—a subtle yet powerful choice.
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Watching and listening to him was a profound privilege.
