Andrew Scott participated in a conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12 to discuss his performance in “Elsinore,” directed by Simon Stone. The film premiered earlier at Telluride and chronicles Scottish actor Ian Charleson’s decision to take on the role of Hamlet at London’s National Theater in 1989, despite his deteriorating health from AIDS and medical warnings from his physician, played by Olivia Colman.
This marks Scott’s first project as a producer. The 49-year-old described the film as deeply personal, given its focus on theater, the representation of gay actors during the 1990s, and family dynamics—subjects with which he identifies closely. Scott began his acting career as a teenager in the 1995 Irish film “Korea,” an experience he credited with teaching him professional conduct on set through working alongside veteran actor Donal Donnelly.
During the discussion moderated by TIFF’s Keith Bennie, Scott reflected on his childhood speech impediment, which ultimately led him to pursue acting through elocution lessons that included drama and improvisation. He also addressed the internet phenomenon surrounding his role as a priest in “Fleabag,” which he said helped alleviate his own concerns about whether audiences would accept a gay actor in romantic roles opposite women.
Scott responded directly to criticism from those opposed to gay actors playing heterosexual characters, characterizing such objections as prejudice. He argued that audience members who struggled with this casting choice were being illogical, comparing it to questioning whether actors playing superheroes are actual vigilantes. Scott emphasized that theater audiences had long known of his sexuality and responded positively regardless of the roles he played.
Regarding his performance in “Elsinore,” Scott highlighted the film’s exploration of how Charleson used his remaining time and the support he received, noting the demanding nature of performing Shakespeare’s most taxing role while contending with serious illness.
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