Where will this hard-working actor go next?

A quick look at Mr Whishaw's acting history shows that his career has never even PAUSED since his amazing Hamlet at the Old Vic, London when he was fresh out of Britain's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. (Hey, I SAW that performance! Simply because I lived in Central London at the time. Lucky me, eh?)

I feel sure he takes advice from the best people in the business, fellow actors, directors, writers - because his career has been one of glittering success and strictly on his own terms. He only does the well-written lead roles he approves of, and the good supporting roles in blockbuster movies that brings him to a wider public and puts some money in the bank. Hence "Q" in Skyfall and Spectre.

This summer I went to see him in a fairly baffling play by Euripides (I'm no academic) at the Almeida Theatre, London. A reminder to me that Ben Whishaw clearly loves the stage, even though it must be very hard work even for a young, fit actor.

He is a true professional in every sense. Ben is currently (November, 2015) to be seen in a five part television film on TV from Working Title called LONDON SPY. It is classic Whishaw. He is able to express every nuance, every shade of mood and reaction that makes his central role in the story utterly compelling. Once again, it could have been written (may have been) for Ben Whishaw. But again, he is one member of a stellar cast of Britain's most distinguished actors that includes the wonderful Jim Broadbent and enthralling Charlotte Rampling. Their 'fireside chat' in episode two is a riveting scene.
The bond of friendship that exists between Broadbent's character and Whishaw's is completely believable in all its subtleties.

Where will Ben's career take him next? Now in his mid thirties, he will need to look at parts for the early middle-aged man - probably straight. (As a young husband and father in a family crisis maybe) He won't like the transition, because he has clearly loved his roles as a young guy who regularly takes his kit off to good effect. (But he's done the gay thing now, wouldn't you say?) He may find it uncomfortable to leave behind his endearing youngster persona that has served him so well through the years. Not that he looks any older than he did on the stage of the Old Vic, more than 15 years ago. But the next ten years of his work should bring him a knighthood, in my view. Along with Cumberbatch and Redmayne. They are England's three bright stars in these times.