Britain seems to have great creativity — especially in the performing and visual arts.
Theatrical tradition
Theaters in Britain date back at least to the 16th century, and the most famous playwright is of course William Shakespeare. A company was founded in his name, with a stage at his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. It has trained generations of actors. In the 20th century, classical and more modern plays were also performed at many regional theaters, where actors and writers gained experience.
Film stars
The world of film-making has involved British creative talent from the beginning. Charlie Chaplin, born in poverty in London's East End, began as a child entertainer in music halls. He then became a pioneer of silent movies in Hollywood and created many black-and-white classics during the First World War. British actors, who were often classically trained in theater, Laurence Olivier and Alec Guinness became house-hold names after the Second World War.
Supporting talent
Film-making creativity has been supported by two major studios. Productions at Shepperton have included Richard Attenborough's Gandhi and Ridley Scott's Alien. Pinewood's most famous products must be the James Bond films. Both theater and film have their own annual festivals, including one of the biggest festivals in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.
Visual expression
The visual arts also show Britain's creative spirit, from Romantic Age painters like Turner and Constable to groups such as the Pre-Raphaelites and the modernist sculpture of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Today's famous artists — Damien Hirst or Tracey Emin — regularly show in the newspapers, and their works are sold at high prices.
