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Dame Helen Mirren reckons Russell Brand should do more Shakespeare.
The Oscar-winning star of stage and screen appears alongside Russell in Julie Taymor's adaptation of the The Tempest and in new comedy Arthur, and was highly impressed by his acting chops.
"Russell has this ability with language that is almost Shakespearian, he uses language in an almost Shakespearian way and I'd love to see him in more Shakespeare myself," she revealed.
"Maybe Richard III, he'd be a brilliant Richard III," she added, referring to the scheming king in one of the playwright's most famous works.
Russell, who plays a loveable drunken playboy in Arthur, said he was open to more serious roles - but admitted he didn't want to give up the funny parts.
"I prefer comedy just because I feel more engaged when people are laughing and it seems more joyous for me," he added.
