Bond Villain Toby Stephens Stars in Dark 'Equus' Revival

Toby Stephens, recognized for his role as Gustav Graves in the James Bond film 'Die Another Day,' is currently starring in a revival of Peter Shaffer's 1973 play 'Equus' at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The production, directed by Lindsay Posner, features Stephens as psychiatrist Martin Dysart, who is tasked with understanding the disturbed psyche of a stable boy with an intense fixation on horses. The play, which touches on themes of mental health and the societal impact on troubled youth, is seen as relevant to current discussions in television drama.

Stephens, son of acting legends Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens, finds parallels between his character's existential questioning and his own career stage. He notes that the play's central question—whether curing passion at the cost of extinguishing it is worthwhile—lacks simple answers. The actor also discusses industry issues such as audience behavior with phones and the pragmatic use of celebrity casting in the West End. He shares reflections on his upbringing, his parents' influence, and his own evolving perspective on his career, particularly his success in American streaming series.