English: Unknown photographer. Sir Alec Guinness – London, Old Vic, 1938. Size: 22 cm x 17 cm 2213/6/2 Darab: 12043 1936 saw Guinness sign on with the Old Vic, where he was cast in a series of classic roles.During this time he worked with many actors and actresses who would become his friends and frequent co-stars in the future, including John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, Anthony Quayle and Jack Hawkins. An early influence from afar was Stan Laurel, whom Guinness admired. Guinness continued playing Shakespearean roles throughout his career. In 1937 he played Aumerle in Richard II and Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice under the direction of John Gielgud. He starred in a 1938 production of Hamlet.