Joseph Fiennes Plays Ball in Dear England
A cover story commission for the Premiere Edition of London Theatre Magazine, to shoot portraits of the Shakespeare in Love & The Handmaid’s Tale star as he returns to the West End stage in James Graham’s hit National Theatre play, Dear England.
Last month, I was lucky enough to be asked to shoot the first ever cover story for a brand new, print publication: London Theatre Magazine.
Even better, the subject was Joseph Fiennes & castmates from the National Theatre’s Dear England, the James Graham-penned hit about Gareth Southgate, the England team & us as a nation.
A Tight Game
The concept had to be tight: we’d be shooting with the cast as themselves, not in character or costume, in a pop up studio at the theatre & in a narrow time window during technical rehearsals.
The show has just triumphantly transferred to the West End from the NT, so design team ConcepTonic & I chose an idea themed around transfer signing imagery.
- I created a red & blue-gelled, Three Lions-esque lighting state to echo shots familiar from Sky Sports lineups & Premier League instagram accounts, with a nod to Nick Eagle’s stunning work.
- Stylist Sophia Pardon whistled up an array of sporty-but-stylish leisure wear for the 4 cast members.
- In 10 mins with each actor & the group, we captured punchy, sporty, colourful imagery packed with energy for the transfer concept, then switched up the lighting to capture more classic portraiture.
Will Close, Denzel Baidoo & Albert Magashi all brought charm, charisma & classic footballer posing.
Terrible London traffic almost cost us our time with Joseph, but he made it at the last minute & was as unruffled as Southgate during a dead-rubber Euro qualifier.
He even played ball, & gave us our cover shot.
Back of the net! Check out the magazine spreads & other imagery we shot below.
The First Team
The Matchday Programme
The Backroom Staff
Creative Director: David Gregory
Art Direction: Michael Wharley & Steven DeVries
Styling: Sophia Pardon
Hair & makeup: Becca Lymbourides
Digi & Lighting: Emma Pottinger
Assistant: Ruben Davies
Retouch: Matt Brewin
The B Team
A broader palette of the imagery we shot.
Dear England, (dir Rupert Goold), plays at the Prince Edward Theatre until Jan 2024.