Stratford-upon-Avon’s statue of Shakespeare was in need of some TLC. Stanley Wells explains how the town and the industry came together to fundraise for its restoration – resulting in a ceremony at which Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh were installed as Freemen

This month, a plaque will be unveiled in Westminster Abbey to honour John Gielgud. Stanley Wells looks back at the life and work of the great actor – from performing Shakespeare at school, to a monumental stage career and late avant-garde work on film

This year, Ian McKellen returns to the stage as Hamlet – at the age of 82. His critics may think him too old for the role, but through the ages Hamlet has been capably played by men and women, old and young, says professor Stanley Wells