Carolyn Bartholomew

Carolyn Bartholomew talks to Tilda Swinton, an actor who has made a career out of being unconventional Tilda Swinton is undoubtedly one of the great artists of her generation, although it is only relatively recently that she has become more conspicuous with mainstream films such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Michael Clayton (for which she won an Oscar for best supporting actress). But Swinton has been in the profession for an unbelievable 23 years, embracing all aspects of film-making. She is highly regarded for her arthouse films of the Eighties and Nineties, initially in collaboration with the great Derek Jarman.

Kate Royal’s name may not be instantly recognisable, but she is fast emerging as one of our great lyric sopranos. At the age of only 29, she has an exclusive contract with EMI and is booked to sing in the world’s major opera houses and concert halls. She is impressing both music critics and audiences with her ravishing voice and her statuesque beauty. But since many young artists who are prematurely praised fail to fulfil their potential, those looking after her interests guard her vigilantly. An interview with Gordon Brown would be easier to obtain. In fact, Kate’s schedule is so hectic that she has time to speak only on the telephone. And while her interview technique is very polished, not seeing the whites of her eyes is disconcerting.