Stephen Unwin matriculated at Downing College in 1979 to read English. He began directing plays while a student here and has since directed over fifty professional productions and twelve operas. He founded the English Touring Theatre in 1993 and is currently Artistic Director at the Rose Theatre, Kingston.

 

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?

“I love you” - or maybe, “it’s a baby boy!” Now that will embarrass my son.

Worst public moment?

A few years after leaving Cambridge I was fired from a show I was directing. I won’t tell you any more than that!

Magic power of choice?

The ability to print money...my own personal quantitative easing. All for spending on the arts you understand!

What’s the last thing you saw at the theatre?

Edward Bond’s Saved at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Last film you saw at the cinema?

Woody Allen’s latest film, Midnight in Paris. It’s very funny - go and see it.

What are you reading at the moment?

Edith Wharton and Victor Serge.

Favourite Cambridge haunt?

Tilda Swinton and I used to put the world to rights at the Baron of Beef, just opposite St Johns. It’s probably horrrid now.

Fondest memory of studenthood?

A summer leaving party on a lawn somewhere - there was the most extraordinary collection of people there - Tilda, Simon Russell Beale, Tim Supple - all of us just kids. We drank Bellinis all night.

What would be served at your dream dinner party and who would you invite?

There’s this wonderful place in Naples called Bellini which serves delicious seafood pasta. Who would I invite? Bob Dylan and my kids.

Favourite joke?

I’m afraid my jokes are too obscene for publication.