Love's Labour's Lost
National Theatre production at the Old Vic Theatre, 1968
Role: Berowne

This was one of Jeremy's all-time favorite roles. He had played it four times at drama school.

A review in Plays and Players praised Jeremy's performance in the National Theatre's production:

Jeremy Brett (an actor whose talents have really blossomed at the National, as in an ideal state) is quite splendid as Berowne. He brings to the part the almost mocking strength of the student court's most mature member, and delighted surprise at the depth of his love.

As Rosaline, Joan Plowright is bustling and bubbling, her wit darting irrepressibly. Rosaline and Berowne, Joan Plowright and Jeremy Brett, are made for each other and, hopefully, it's a partnership which will be seen again soon.

The review also noted that "the most abiding impression left by Sir Laurence Olivier's production of Love's Labour's Lost at the National Theatre is that, even on the opening night, it appeared immaculately rehearsed." It likened Olivier to a conductor with a symphony, leading his cast through the "intricate word-play of this somewhat showily verbal comedy."
 

Jeremy also appeared in
television & audiobook
versions of the play

Wikipedia page
about the play

Full text of the play

WORDS OF WISDOM

The performance was also notable for the cherished note that director Olivier gave to Jeremy on opening night. Jeremy kept it all his life. It read:

These are the do's and don'ts of acting. Do's: Think. Keep your neck back. Think. Be frank. Think. Perceive. Think. Listen. Think. Be in love with Joan [Plowright]. Blaze.

The Don'ts: [Don't be] Ingratiating. Soft. Adorable. Glamorous. Earnest. Polite. Decorated. Gobblesome.

On the reverse side, it said: Love wishes. Love gratitude. Love admiration. Love from Larry.