This role which has been in the possession of middle-aged or elderly actresses in France from Sarah Bernhardt to Marie Bell (in England Glenda Jackson and Diana Rigg), is here transformed by the delicate and young Ms Blanc.

ECONOMIST: A radical must for anyone interested in the art of theatre

More stagey, less technically sophisticated than their contemporary counterparts, these period pieces feature names like Ian McKellen, Clive Swift, Diana Rigg and Prunella Scales in minor roles, and commanding performances from Richard Johnson as Antony and Othello (to a chilling Iago from the young Ian Holm).

ECONOMIST: Shakespeare on tape: Audio-Bard | The