Michael Pearson

One of the coolest things I ever got to do in my entire life was to fly down to Patrick Stewart’s home in LA, write this script (much of it), and sit with him in his office upstairs and record his voice. Obviously I was INCREDIBLY nervous. He had just finished recording ALL of Shakespeare’s sonnets for another project the day before, but offered up his time on a Saturday afternoon. As we began, he started asking me questions: what was the pace? The tone? The pauses? And so many more. I think he sensed my reticence in offering up any advice (HOW DO DO YOU ADVISE SIR PATRICK STEWART??), and he smiled and said to me: “You know David, any good actor is only as good as the direction he receives!” He truly wanted to take as much time as possible, and wouldn’t rest until he got it PERFECT. For me, a radio guy, to see a true master at work was mind blowing. So I directed him. We spoke about tone and tenor and my God did he nail it. He elevated those words so much that they positively FLEW. We wrapped up, and before I left I went downstairs with him to say goodbye to his wife. She was in the kitchen preparing lunch. They asked me to stay, but I had a plane to catch, and if I’m being honest I think I would’ve rather understayed than overstayed my welcome. As we turned to walk out, she said “Patrick don’t forget!” He paused, and looked at a bowl of green beans. It was apparent that HIS duty for the meal was to peel the stems of the beans. He turned to me and said “This meal shall not be complete without some PATRICK STEWART GREEN BEANS!!”, and in that moment he seemingly grew a full foot taller, filling the room with his signature tone and tenor. It was so light and humorous, but for me, I got to see the man literally display a full on superpower in front of me, and I was in awe. He was, quite simply, awesome. Please enjoy his words we recorded on that summer afternoon. He loved his Huddersfield Town club soooo much.