A Magical Evening at Perth Festival with Sir Derek Jacobi and Richard Clifford

May 28, 2025

This past weekend at Perth Festival of the Arts was nothing short of a dream come true for us at CCPL – and, judging by the reviews, for everyone who attended!

Our heartfelt thanks go to Sir Derek Jacobi and Richard Clifford for a truly special evening. Their warmth, wit, and generosity in sharing stories from a life on stage and screen captivated us all.

As Garry Fraser’s review for the Perth Festival so beautifully puts it:

“There’s no doubt that those on Friday night were captivated, lapping up every detail of a life on stage and screen few could emulate. … Sir Derek is an unassuming and engaging raconteur, self-deprecating too, and while most people are familiar with his career in the past 40 or 50 years, his conversation with Richard Clifford shone light on his early days in the ‘business’.”

We were treated to behind-the-scenes stories about working with legends like Maggie Smith, David Frost, and Peter O’Toole, plus a taste of Sir Derek’s iconic performances. The night even included a burst of broad Scots and Cockney – proof that he can handle an accent or two, even if he says otherwise!

Richard Clifford skillfully guided the evening with insightful questions and commentary, while Sir Derek Jacobi captivated the audience with evocative readings from Shakespeare, including memorable stanzas from As You Like It.

We’re hearing requests from other theatres to bring this magical evening to their stages, and we’re excited to see where it goes next. Our aim is to keep the experience as warm, engaging, and unforgettable as it was in Perth.

Stay tuned for more updates!

(Want to see the full review? Read it on the Perth Festival website.)