BBC World Service | Learning English

In recent years a number of Hollywood film stars have trodden the boards of the London stage. In January 2006 Kathleen Turner took on her second London role, starring in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf'.

In this edition of London life we hear from Kathleen Turner about why she has turned from the big screen to the stage.

Before you listen to the programme look at these comprehension questions. You can hear the answers in the programme. Check your understanding by trying the quiz in the 'Extras' section below.

1: What is London's theatre area known as?
2: Which US comedy series did Kathleen Turner appear in?
3: When did Kathleen Turner appear in the play 'The Graduate'?
4: Why is she interested in developing her stage career?


London Life
	Hollywood star on London stage

Vocabulary from the programme

the female lead
the most important female character in a play or film

Example:
The female lead in 'Body Heat' was played by Kathleen Turner

a role
an actor's part in a film or play

Example:
Kathleen Turner played the role of Mrs Robinson in the play 'The Graduate'

to be offered a role
to be asked to play a character in a film or play

Example:
She has been offered many roles which she has rejected because they were not interesting enough

mentality
noun to describe someone's way of thinking

Example:
She thinks the mentality of many in the US film industry is that older women are less important than younger women

to be bitter
to feel angry and unhappy about something, usually something which happened in the past

Example:
He was bitter that another actor was offered the role he wanted

Don't forget to check your comprehension with the quiz below.

Extras

Try the London Life quiz

Programme script (pdf - 36k)