Page 3 Profile: Charles Dance, actor and voice of nature
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tywin Lannister!
Game of Thrones’ viewers will recognise Charles Dance as the ruthless and calculating Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock. Now, his dulcet tones have been enlisted for a most challenging of roles: he has been cast as “the voice of nature”.
Eh?
Oh yes, nature itself. The BBC have announced Dance will channel the wind, the rain, and the snow in the upcoming trailer for the Sochi Winter Olympics.
What does the role involve?
According to the Beeb, Dance will speak “a foreboding verse to set a challenge to the Winter Olympic athletes to overcome its extreme elements”.
Shouldn’t that be Mother Nature?
Technically, yes. While Auntie may have given the cosmos gender-reassignment surgery, the normal order will remain elsewhere: Mother Sport Clare Balding will head up the broadcaster’s 650 hours of live coverage, joined by Hazel Irvine and Jonathan Edwards. Out on the slopes, expert commentary will be provided by former figure skater Robin Cousins, Olympic skier Graham Bell and former alpine skier Emma Carrick-Anderson.
What does Nature sound like?
Distinguished. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company during the mid- to late-1970s, Dance certainly can speak proper. Gravelly when he needs to be, with excellent control of higher notes, he’s well set to do justice to the elements.
What else do the Beeb have up their sleeve?
They’ve promised “the most complete digital coverage of a Winter Olympic Games to date”, with six HD channels and two red button streams delivering live events, alongside 200 hours of network television. What’s more, all content will be available on PCs, tablets and mobiles.
Exciting stuff. When does it kick off?
The Opening Ceremony will be broadcast live from 3.30pm on 7 February. Meanwhile, Dance’s trailer, will premiere on Sunday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments