Actor Simon Russell Beale looks back on the The Hollow Crown, the BBC’s 2012 adaptations of the most vital of Shakespeare’s history plays: Richard II, Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V. Bringing together a stellar cast that includes Ben Whishaw, Jeremy Irons, Judi Dench, Hugh Bonneville and Sophie Okonedo, The Hollow Crown drew huge praise from critics, and Simon’s acclaimed performance in the role of Falstaff ultimately earned him a Bafta award for Best Supporting Actor. Here, Simon shares his behind-the-scenes insights into how the production came together, his memories of working with his fellow actors and the challenge of bringing Shakespeare to life for a 21st-century television audience.