Andrew Scott recalls growing up in Dublin in the shadow of the AIDS crisis as he tells Vogue: 'It's wonderful that the current generation of young gay people feel a freedom from that'

Andrew Scott has recalled growing up in Dublin in the shadow of the AIDS crisis ahead of his latest film Elsinore. 

The actor, who turned 50 in October, is tipped for his first Oscar as he takes on the role of Ian Charleson during the autumn of 1989 when he took on the role of Hamlet at the National Theatre despite knowing he was seriously ill with AIDS. 

Charleson, who was best known for his role in Chariots Of Fire, knew that playing Hamlet – one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles in theatre – could accelerate his decline. 

And in his new interview with Vogue, Andrew reflected on how lucky he is to have been born when there was more education and treatment for AIDS readily available. 

He said: 'The fact that the current generation of young gay people feels a freedom from that is wonderful.'

Explaining how there was a 'conspiracy of silence around sexuality' he discussed the institutional silence surrounding the AIDS crisis.

'Because there was no information, no help, all this silence. The terror of that silence is the thing that offends. That should be where the shame lies,' he said. 

Referring to his own sexuality he said: 'Well it isn't very interesting... 

'What was so insidious was that Ian [Charleson] and his predecessors had something to contribute to the film and television industry but weren’t given the opportunities in the same way, or else they were given the opportunities but they were also given a sort of silent choice: you can have that, but you have to conceal a huge part of your identity in return, while their straight counterparts didn’t have to make that sacrifice. 

'In fact that part of their identity was celebrated rather than concealed or derided. I do feel that the playing field is starting to level out.'

Andrew added: 'There’s that great expression that prejudice doesn’t survive proximity. If you see people, you become less frightened of them.'

Discussing stepping into the role of Charleson, Andrew said he wished to honour his vitality. 

'In some ways my fear was that we would fetishise Ian’s death rather than celebrate his life. 

'And actually his decision to play Hamlet at the very end of his life, to nail his colours to the mast in that way, when time was running out, is so life-loving.'

Andrew, who missed out on an Academy Award nomination for his acclaimed film All Of Us Strangers three years ago, received a standing ovation as the credits rolled on Elsinore at the London Film Festival last month. 

Directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford, the film gives Andrew 'a career defining role'. 

Kevin Maher in his review for The Times declares that the actor 'has all but secured the best actor trophy', adding that 'you’ll barely be able to see the screen through the tears'.

Tim Robey awarded the film four stars, headlining his review for The Telegraph, by writing that 'the ovations for Scott will be instant, thunderous and deserved following his career-defining role'.

He adds that the star 'pours his soul into Elsinore, with stunning conviction, and will rightly win awards for his performance. If it was his compatriot Jesse Buckley’s turn last year for Hamnet, it’s his now.'

Elsinore will be released in UK cinemas in January 2027.

See the full feature in the December issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday November 17.