Margaret Tyzack as Oenone in Phèdre
by Jean Racine at the NT © Catherine Ashmore
"Margaret Tyzack champions older actresses"
In language that is hardly becoming, Margaret Tyzack, the Olivier award-winning actress, has condemned the ageism that she feels is blighting the career of women in her profession.
By Tim Walker, 12 Mar 2009
The 77-year-old star of West End plays such as Lettice and Lovage and the recent acclaimed production of The Chalk Garden at the Donmar Warehouse, says the types of roles older actresses are offered amount to "a load of cliched old bollocks".
She feels that even the way parts are described – "witch-like," "crone" and "squalid" – is insulting.
"If they were used to describe any other group in society people would be up in arms," she says. "I don't want us to be treated with kid gloves, but a fraction of respect would come in handy."
In what appears to be a reference to Julie Walters's recent television performance as an Alzheimer's victim, she says: "Not everyone is unfortunate enough to have that terrible disease. Let's hear stories about people who are in another category."
She adds that it is "amazing" when a writer comes up with a part for a woman over 70 who has control of both her brain and bladder.
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John Bercow, 12 Mar 2009
Mandrake reported last month that Imelda Staunton, Harriet Walter and Maxine Peake had signed a petition organised by the actors' union Equity which urged the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to find better parts for women – and more of them.
Resource: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/4980543/Margaret-Tyzack-champions-older-actresses.html
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