'We were swimming in the mind pool of Tom Stoppard!' – actors salute the great playwright

For Rufus Sewell, the experience of working with Tom Stoppard was not just about playing a character in a play, but about being in the presence of a brilliant mind and feeling intellectually stimulated. The actor recalls that Stoppard's conversations were always engaging and inclusive, making everyone feel like they could contribute their ideas and jokes. This sense of generosity and kindness was reflected in his writing as well, where complex ideas and competing themes were balanced to create a unique and captivating theatrical experience.

Sewell's own experiences with Stoppard date back to the 1990s, when he worked on Arcadia and Rock'n'Roll. He remembers being struck by Stoppard's intelligence and wit, but also by his ability to make everyone feel at ease and valued in the rehearsal room. The actor notes that even when working on more complex projects like Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, Stoppard was always approachable and willing to engage with the cast and crew.

Stoppard's influence can be seen in many of his plays, but it is also reflected in the way he treated those around him. As Rufus Sewell notes, Stoppard was a generous and kind person who never forgot where he came from or who had supported him along the way. He gave away book tokens to his skivvies, like Harriet Walter, as a small gesture of appreciation for their hard work.

For Susan Wokoma, working with Tom Stoppard was a dream come true, and she felt privileged to be part of The Real Thing cast. She recalls that Stoppard was always available to answer questions and share his insights, and that he brought a sense of warmth and humanity to the rehearsal room. The play itself is full of cracking gags and clever wordplay, but Wokoma notes that Stoppard's genius lay not just in his writing, but also in his ability to bring people together and create a sense of community.

Toby Jones has had many great experiences working with Tom Stoppard, including playing the title role in Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. He remembers being struck by Stoppard's wit and intelligence, as well as his willingness to experiment and take risks on stage. The play itself is a clever and inventive work that brings together art and science in unexpected ways.

For Harriet Walter, working with Tom Stoppard was an unforgettable experience that left her feeling inspired and uplifted. She recalls playing Lady Croom in Arcadia and being struck by the complexity and depth of Stoppard's writing. The play itself is a masterclass in balancing humor and pathos, and Stoppard's genius lies in his ability to create a sense of wonder and curiosity that draws the audience in.

Overall, Tom Stoppard's legacy as a playwright and collaborator continues to inspire and delight actors, writers, and audiences around the world. His intelligence, wit, and generosity of spirit have created a lasting impact on the world of theatre, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.
 
I was reading about Tom Stoppard's passing last year 🤕... thinking back to all the amazing interviews with actors like Rufus Sewell, Susan Wokoma, Toby Jones, and Harriet Walter who worked with him 🙌. He always seemed so down-to-earth and humble despite being a genius 🤓. I wonder if his generosity and kindness were just as important as his writing skills... did he ever take credit for others' ideas or was it all about collaborative storytelling? 🤔 Also, what was it like to work with him in rehearsals? Did he have any quirky habits or rituals that made the experience even more memorable? 💭
 
he's still so underrated 🙄, I mean, I know people say he's smart and all that but you can't deny how influential his plays are. like, Arcadia is one of my fave shows ever 💥 and it was written by him! I also loved Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, the way he wove art and science together was pure genius 🎨. anyway, what's with all the nostalgia about Tom Stoppard now? it feels like everyone's just rediscovering his stuff after he passed away... I mean, I'm not complaining or anything 😊 but some people might say that's just a case of looking back wistfully on someone who was already pretty established in their career.
 
omg I'm getting chills just reading about Tom Stoppard's kindness & generosity 🤩 he sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Rufus Sewell's story about him giving away book tokens to the crew is too cute 😊 and Susan Wokoma's experience working on The Real Thing sounds like a dream come true 🌟 Toby Jones and Harriet Walter both seem to have had amazing experiences with Stoppard, which just goes to show that his brilliance & creativity extended far beyond his writing 💫 anyway, it's clear that he left an indelible mark on everyone who worked with him 🎭
 
I just stumbled upon this old interview with Tom Stoppard and I'm still blown away by his kindness and generosity 🤯. I mean, the guy gave book tokens to his entire cast and crew as a thank you - that's what I call class 💸. And from what I've read about him working with actors like Rufus Sewell and Susan Wokoma, it's clear he created this incredible sense of community on set 🤝. Not many people can say they worked with someone who was both a brilliant playwright and an awesome human being 🙌. Stoppard's legacy is all about inspiring creativity and bringing people together, and I think that's what makes him so beloved by actors and audiences alike 💫.
 
ugh i'm literally still reeling from reading about tom stoppard's life and work 🤯 he was literally the epitome of kindness and generosity - giving book tokens to his cast members as a small gesture of appreciation is just wow what kind of person does that? 🤷‍♀️ and it's not just that, it's like the way he made everyone feel included in his creative process, it's like he was actually interested in what we had to say 🤓 i mean, rufus sewell has been working with him since the 90s and he still talks about how approachable and willing to engage stoppard was, that's just insane.
 
Tom Stoppard was like that one genius uncle you never had but wished you did 🤓. He just made everyone feel like they could contribute no matter how crazy their ideas were. His plays were like puzzle boxes with complex themes and stuff, but he balanced it out so it didn't feel overwhelming. And what's even crazier is that he was super down-to-earth and kind, giving book tokens to his crew as a token of appreciation. I mean, who does that? 🤑 Anyway, his legacy lives on and I'm gonna miss him sadly 😔.
 
🤓 Tom Stoppard was like a master chef in the theatre kitchen - always whipping up something unique and delicious with his clever wordplay and witty banter 🍴 He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and heard, whether you were an actor or crew member 👥 And let's be real, the guy was a genius 🔮 His legacy will live on for ages, and I'm so grateful to have grown up with his plays and been inspired by them 💫
 
I'm low-key sad that Tom Stoppard isn't still with us 🤕. He was clearly a mastermind behind the scenes as well as in front of it - all those actors he collaborated with have such amazing things to say about him. It's not just his plays, but the people he worked with too 🤝. Rufus Sewell's anecdote about Stoppard giving away book tokens is so sweet ❤️. I love how everyone remembers him for being kind and generous - that's what makes him a true legend in the theatre world 💫.
 
🙌 I'm still blown away by Tom Stoppard's genius 🤯. The way he weaves complex ideas into his plays is like nothing else out there. His writing is always so engaging and inclusive, it's no wonder people are still raving about him years after his passing 💔. And can you believe he was that generous with his book tokens 📚? Rufus Sewell mentioning that he gave them away to his skivvies is just the icing on the cake 😊. What I love most about Stoppard's legacy is how it brings people together - from the actors who worked with him to the audiences who've been inspired by his work 👥. It's a testament to the power of theatre and its ability to create community 🎭.
 
🤯 I mean, what's up with all these tributes to Tom Stoppard? It's not like he's dead or anything... I guess it's good that people are still talking about him, but have we run out of stories about this guy? 😒 The more I read, the more I'm convinced that his genius is being grossly underrated. Like, come on, the man won a Nobel Prize for his work! 🏆 But seriously, what really sets Stoppard apart from other playwrights is his ability to make complex ideas feel accessible and entertaining at the same time. That's not an easy feat, you know? 💡
 
🤔 "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." 💪 - Nelson Mandela I think what's really amazing about Tom Stoppard is how he managed to create such complex and thought-provoking works while still being kind and approachable to everyone around him. It's a true inspiration to anyone who wants to make it in the creative world 🌟
 
the thing is... what does it mean to collaborate with someone who's literally a mastermind? like, stoppard's writing is already genius, but he doesn't just stop at that, he makes everyone around him feel like they're contributing to something bigger than themselves. it's not just about the work, it's about the way you treat people... and that's what sticks with you, long after the curtain call 🤯
 
🤔 I mean, can you even imagine having a genius like Tom Stoppard as a director? 🙌 Rufus Sewell's stories about working with him make me wanna jump outta my seat! Like, who wouldn't want to be in the presence of that level of intelligence and wit? 💡 And it's not just about the plays themselves, but how he makes everyone feel included and valued. I'm getting chills thinking about it... 🎭

And what really gets me is how down-to-earth he was despite being a mastermind. 🙏 Giving away book tokens to his cast members? That's just beautiful! 😊 It shows that he knew the value of community and looking out for each other. I'm so inspired by this, you guys... 💖 We could all learn from his generosity and kindness. 👍
 
I'm kinda sad that Tom Stoppard is no longer with us 🤕. It's crazy how he was able to make so many people feel seen and valued in his work and personal life. I mean, who else could make a play about art and science feel like a party? 🎉 He was definitely a master of balancing big ideas with humor and heart.

I love that Rufus Sewell remembered Stoppard's generosity and kindness, it's really inspiring to hear that the guy gave away book tokens to his crew as a small gesture. That kind of thing doesn't go unnoticed in my opinion 📚. Anyway, I'm gonna miss seeing him on stage, but at least we have all these amazing stories about him to keep his legacy alive 💫
 
🤔 I mean, can you imagine working with someone who's always got your back? Tom Stoppard was like that genius who never forgets where he came from, right? He's not just a mastermind behind the scenes but also a kind soul who'd gift book tokens to his underpaid crew. That's what I call generosity 📚. His writing is mind-blowing, no doubt about it, but it's not just about being intelligent and witty – he knew how to bring people together. Those actors who worked with him are still gushing about their experiences, like they're 10 years old again 😆. He was the ultimate collaborator, a true master of his craft, and his legacy will keep inspiring new generations of artists 👏.
 
Tom Stoppard was like that one teacher who actually made learning fun, you know? 🤓 Not just because he's super smart, but also because he was down-to-earth and made everyone feel included. I mean, can you imagine having conversations with someone where they're always asking for your input and actually listening to what you have to say? 😊 That's the kind of genius Stoppard had on stage too - not just in his writing, but in how he brought people together.

And I love that he was always willing to give back, like giving book tokens to his skivvies 📚. That's just so humble and kind. It's no wonder all these actors have such amazing stories about working with him. He really did create a sense of community on stage, and it's not just about the play itself, but about how he treated everyone involved.

I think that's what makes his legacy so inspiring - he didn't just make great plays, he made people feel seen and valued too 🌟.
 
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