One of the world’s leading Shakespearean actors, Michael Pennington appeared triumphantly as King Lear in New York, his performance on a par with his great predecessors, Paul Scofield and Sir John Gielgud. Now, Pennington meditates on grappling with Shakespeare’s greatest role, and gives a fascinating insight into the punishing mental and physical impact the role can have on those who are brave enough to take on the challenge.