Steven Berkoff is one of those artists who just grabs you by the collar and won't let you go. He's a true original, a Londoner born and bred, and his work crackles with the energy of the East End streets he grew up on. Think raw, think powerful, think intensely human – that's Berkoff.

I've always been fascinated by his theatrical style. He practically invented his own language – "Berkovian theatre" – a mix of physical theatre, mime, and poetic, almost rhythmic dialogue. It's like nothing else you've ever seen. Plays like "East," "West," and "Greek" aren't always comfortable viewing, but they're absolutely gripping. He holds a mirror up to society, showing us the gritty realities of urban life, the struggles, the alienation, but also the humor and resilience. He's not afraid to tackle the big themes, and he does it with a visceral punch that leaves you reeling.

As a director, Berkoff takes classics and contemporary works and infuses them with his trademark physicality and intensity. His productions are bold, often controversial, but never boring. He strips away the polite veneer and gets to the heart of the story, making you see it in a completely new light.

And then there's his film work! He's played some truly memorable villains – think "Octopussy," "Beverly Hills Cop," and "Rambo: First Blood Part II." He has this incredible screen presence, a menacing glint in his eye and a voice that could curdle milk. He's the kind of actor you love to hate, and he clearly relishes every minute of it.

Berkoff's not just an actor, playwright, and director; he's a force of nature. He's dedicated his life to pushing boundaries and challenging audiences. He's won tons of awards, including the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, and his plays have been performed all over the world. He's a true master, and his work continues to inspire and provoke.

And now we have Steven Berkoff's own feature length interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's original short story The Tell-Tale Heart about a servant who plots to murder his master because of his 'vulture' eye. Directed by Stephen Cookson, this version of a much told story not only starts Berkoff, but includes his own penmanship. Despite Berkoff's advancing age, this latest iteration shows that Berkoff is still on top form, it's as sharp as his 1994 movie Decadence and no less forgiving.

Health permitting Berkoff will be with us on Thursday 27th Feb at 8pm alongside the director and other cast and crew. book your tickets here