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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.

Joseph Fiennes and the cast of Dear England for London Theatre Magazine

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.