Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

As soon as I started a book club, I knew we’d have to read Hamnet
at some point. Hamnet is a fictional imagination of the life of
Anne Hathaway -- here called Agnes because that’s what her family
called her -- as well as her children. It’s about the family of
William Shakespeare, but in the book he is never called by name.
Instead, the spotlight is shifted to his family who are so often a
mere footnote in his biography. Here, they are the focal point.
Unfortunately his son Hamnet tragically died aged just eleven and,
while not much is known about his cause of death, here Maggie
O’Farrell speculates what may have happened. Today we are joined by
two special guests who know a thing or two about Hamnet. Paul
Mescal is an Academy Award nominated actor, having starred in
Aftersun, Gladiator II, All of Us Strangers and of course Normal
People. Now he stars as William Shakespeare in the Hamnet film
adaptation which is in cinemas in the US today, and in the UK from
the 9th of January. He stars alongside Jessie Buckley who plays
Agnes. Jessie is also an Academy Award nominated actress, known for
her roles in The Lost Daughter, Fargo, Women Talking, and for her
portrayal of Sally Bowles in the West End revival of the musical
Cabaret.  When I tell you, their portrayals of the characters
in this film are just spellbinding. You are totally captivated from
the moment they step onto the screen, right to the final frame. I
genuinely don’t think this could have been done better and I hope
they’re both ready to be nominated for Academy Awards once again
because I can’t tell you how much they deserve it. This film is
emotionally intense, exploring themes of grief, illness, and
heartache. Both deliver career-defining performances – all I’m
saying is prepare to sob. Not at this interview though – I mean I
hope not at this interview – but certainly at the film. I sat down
with Paul and Jessie to discuss this project, as well as their
favourite books. Please welcome to the Inklings book club, Paul
Mescal and Jessie Buckley… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
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