供稿：英國大使館文化教育處

Britain has some very creative people in the worlds of theatre,film and art.Theatres in Britain started in the 16th century in the time of William Shakespeare.They still exist today in many regions of the country including London’s“West End”.Millions of people go to plays and musicals every year.

One example of British talent was Charlie Chaplin.He was born in poverty but made some of the best silent movies in Hollywood.Other British actors such as Laurence Olivier,Richard Burton and Alec Guinness started in theatre but then became world famous film stars.The next generation,including Anthony Hopkins and Judy Dench,are still very popular today.

There are several important British directors and producers.Alfred Hitchcock’s movies are easy to recognise,and David Puttnam is famous for his film about Olympic heroes,Chariots of Fire.There are two important studios in the UK:Shepperton producedGandhiandAlien,and Pinewood is the home ofJames Bond.

Britain’s creative artists include romantic painters like Turner and Constable,and modernists like Damien Hirst or Tracey Emin.Even graffiti is becoming an art form.

Today creativity in Britain is also present in computer games.Tomb Raideris one example of their worldwide successes.

Activity 1 Reorder the words to make true sentences,according to the text.

1.is/ London/ part of/ The West End

2.Charlie Chaplin/ films/ in Hollywood/ made/ successful

3.a/ actor today/ is/ Judy Dench/ popular

4.at Pinewood/ films/James Bond/ The/ were made

5.an art/ form/ graffiti/ is/ Some people/ think

Activity 2 Complete the sentences with words from the table.

1.Alfred Hitchcock __________________ as an important director.

2.London’s West End __________________ by millions every year.

3.Successful films __________________ at Shepperton Studios every year.

4.Graffiti __________________ as a form of art.

5.Many computer games __________________ in Britain today.

Activity 3 Discussion topics

Do you prefer watching films at the cinema or at home on DVD/computer?

Do you think computer games will become more popular than films?