Some Actors Are Natural Costume Hero Models...

I know there are a few writers who almost swoon over Sean Bean's Sharpe, and I'm sure if I ask you'll tell me your favourite actor in a costume role.

Some actors just seem to suit historical costume and just don't look quite right in modern clothes- but that may just be me of course...

I like costume dramas - I always have - and we have been spoilt in the UK with the number that have been produced over the years- Pride and Prejudice, Poldark, the Onedin Line, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and many more.

Does anyone remember The Flashing Blade serial ? Early 1970's I think. A tale of love and adventure in French with voice dubbing that just didn't fit the actors, but probably helped get me hooked on romance and costume drama.

A friend at the writers' club went down to the south-west recently to see Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, because one of her favourite actors was in it- the guy who plays Becker in Primeval (Ben Mansfield) and for the part he has a beard, and very attractive with it he is too... :-)

She sent me a copy of the picture she was lucky enough to have taken with him, and I'm very certain one day that image will create a hero character in one of my novels.

There was mention of pirate scenarios from my friend...

A very long time ago when I lived down south I went to the Barbican to see the RSC doing Henry IV (both parts). That time it was Timothy Dalton (who years later played James Bond) playing Harry 'Hotspur' Percy.

I'd booked a ticket for both parts but actually only saw part 1. I was asked out to the theatre (by my now husband) elsewhere in the West End on the same night as my ticket for part 2. It wasn't much of a dilemma- my OH has a beard, so I chose him over Timothy Dalton... :-)

So please tell me, are there any actors or actresses (or characters) in costume dramas that you like or drool over?

Workshop Details...

If you are within reasonable travelling distance of Nottingham you might be interested in an inexpensive workshop being hosted by Nottingham Writers' Club on Saturday 4th June 10am to 4pm.

Writer Michael Eaton will be leading the workshop. He is probably best known for his television work, including 'Shipman' and 'Shoot to Kill', but has written in many more areas. He's also the visiting Professor in the School of Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University.

' If you've got a great idea for a piece of work but aren't sure what format it should be in, story, novel, radio play or film - this workshop is for you. Bring it along, talk about it for a few minutes and during the workshop you will get together with Michael and work out the best way to use it. By the end of the session, everyone will have gained experience on how to focus even the vaguest of ideas into a firm reality.'

I know there are still places available (limited) so if you want to attend then follow this link.

If you know anyone who might be interested then please pass the details on...

EDITED TO ADD- you don't need pages already written, an idea and some basic details can be enough.

As Monday is Spring Bank Holiday I'm going to be relaxing and catching up on my reading, so if it's a holiday where you are, I hope you enjoy it.