In a letter responding to an interview with Anthony Hopkins, Colin Lovelace has highlighted the overlooked influence of David Scase on British theatre. Scase, as director of productions at the Library Theatre in Manchester, gave Hopkins his first major professional engagement. When Scase moved to the Liverpool Playhouse in 1963, Hopkins followed him.
Lovelace, who served as house manager at the Playhouse, recalls how Scase assembled an outstanding young company. The ensemble included not only Hopkins but also Patrick Stewart, Sara Kestelman, Marjorie Yates, Warren Clarke, Philip Hedley and Peter Needham. Scase nurtured these talented actors, yet his contribution has often been forgotten.
The letter serves as a tribute to Scase's role in launching the careers of many celebrated performers. Lovelace argues that in discussions of Hopkins's career, figures like Laurence Olivier are frequently mentioned, but Scase's early support deserves equal recognition.
