Podcasts by Category
- 261 - Michael Billington on Stage
Michael Billington reflects on almost 50 years and some 10,000 reviews as he steps down as the Guardian's chief theatre critic. Michael is introduced by Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. A number of guests including actors Penelope Wilton, Simon Russell Beale, Aisling Loftus and Oliver Ford Davies read from some of Michael's favourite plays.
Fri, 06 Mar 2020 - 49min - 260 - Director Katy Rudd and Adapter Joel Horwood on The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Katy Rudd (The Almighty, Royal Exchange; Associate Artist, Elliott & Harper Productions) and Joel Horwood (I Want My Hat Back, National Theatre; The Little Mermaid, Bristol Old Vic) discuss their new production of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Chaired by playwright and academic, Dan Rebellato.
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 - 29min - 259 - Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall on Three Sisters
Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall discuss their new production of Three Sisters. Chaired by Louisa Uchum Egbunike, Lecturer in English at City, University of London, Curator of the Legacies of Biafra touring exhibition and Co-Convenor of the Annual Igbo Conference.
Fri, 21 Feb 2020 - 27min - 258 - Neil Gaiman on The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is the bestselling magical novel from the brilliant imagination of Neil Gaiman. Join Gaiman as he chats to Lenny Henry about writing this modern myth, where his inspiration came from, and what it's like to have his novel adapted for the stage.
Fri, 07 Feb 2020 - 30min - 257 - Actors Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings on Hansard
Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Hansard. Chaired by David Benedict.
Fri, 31 Jan 2020 - 38min - 256 - Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson on Small Island
Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson reflect on their production of Small Island. Chaired by Brenda Emmanus.
Fri, 17 Jan 2020 - 28min - 255 - A Conversation with Peter Brook
Join legendary theatre-maker Peter Brook (‘our greatest living director’, Independent) as he speaks to Mark Lawson to discuss his new book Playing by Ear: Reflections on Music and Sound, which explores the role of music in the theatre and revisits some of the best-known productions from his long and distinguished career.
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 - 28min - 254 - Director Simon Godwin and Writer Simon Woods on Hansard
Director Simon Godwin (Antony & Cleopatra, Man + Superman) and writer Simon Woods reflect on their new production of Hansard
Fri, 20 Dec 2019 - 22min - 253 - Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part Two): David Hare and Jonathan Kent
David Hare and Jonathan Kent (the partnership behind Young Chekhov) speak about the processes of making their new production. Hosted by Georgina Godwin
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 - 29min - 252 - Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part One): James McArdle
James McArdle (Platonov, Angels in America) reflects on the challenges and rewards of creating and playing Peter Gynt. Hosted by Georgina Godwin.
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 - 32min - 251 - Director Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son
Director Polly Findlay (Beginning, As You Like It, Treasure Island) discusses her new production of Rutherford and Son with Fiona Mountford.
Fri, 06 Dec 2019 - 31min - 250 - Roger Allam on Rutherford and Son
Actor Roger Allam (Les Miserables, The Thick of It) reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing John Rutherford in the new production of Rutherford and Son.
Mon, 02 Dec 2019 - 36min - 249 - Director Pam MacKinnon and Writer Bruce Norris on DownstateWed, 03 Apr 2019 - 32min
- 248 - Writer David Hare on I'm Not Running
Writer David Hare reflects on his new play I’m Not Running, chaired by Helen Lewis. David Hare is a playwright and film-maker. Hare first worked at the National Theatre in 1971. Seventeen of his plays have since been presented there including Plenty, Pravda (with Howard Brenton), The Secret Rapture, Racing Demon, Murmuring Judges, Skylight, Amy’s View, Stuff Happens, The Absence of War, Behind the Beautiful Forevers and The Red Barn. Film and TV includes Collateral, Licking Hitler, Dreams of Leaving, Saigon: Year of the Cat, Wetherby, Damage, The Hours, The Reader, and the Worricker Trilogy: Page Eight, Turks & Caicos and Salting the Battlefield.
Wed, 16 Jan 2019 - 30min - 247 - Director Rachel Chavkin and Writer Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown
Join the director and writer as they reflect on their production of Hadestown. Rachel Chavkin is a director, dramaturg and sometime writer, and the founding Artistic Director of the TEAM (teamplays.org). Anaïs Mitchell is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Mitchell has released six albums including Hadestown (2010), Young Man in America (2012) and Child Ballads (2013).
Wed, 16 Jan 2019 - 29min - 246 - Playwriting Then and Now
Join renowned playwrights Alecky Blythe (London Road, Little Revolution), Howard Brenton (Pravda, Never So Good), Natasha Gordon (Nine Night), and Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl from the North Country) and publisher Nick Hern, to explore how playwriting has – and hasn’t – changed over the past 30 years. Chaired by Emily McLaughlin (Head of New Work, National Theatre). What new trends and themes have emerged in the last three decades? What changes have occurred in the way plays reach the stage? And where might playwriting, and theatre, go in the future?
Mon, 10 Dec 2018 - 25min - 245 - The Influence of Lecoq on UK Theatre
Jacques Lecoq was one of the major figures of Western theatre in the second half of the 20th century, known especially for his teaching of movement, play, improvisation, masks, language, comedy, and tragedy. This event explores this legacy with an overview and analysis of Lecoq's life, work and philosophy of theatre, and looks at Lecoq’s influence on prominent performers and directors currently working in contemporary theatre in the UK. With contributions from Mark Evans, author and co-editor of The Routledge Companion to Jacques Lecoq; Leah Hausman, choreographer and movement director; actor Toby Jones; and Simon Murray, author and academic, Jacques Lecoq (Routledge Practitioners). Chaired by Clare Brennan, theatre critic for The Observer.
Mon, 10 Dec 2018 - 1h 00min - 244 - Dramatic Exchanges: the Lives and Letters of the NT
An event to celebrate the publication of Dramatic Exchanges: The Lives and Letters of the National Theatre selected and edited by Daniel Rosenthal. With contributions from the author and readings from actors with the NT company including Tim McMullan, Gloria Obianyo, Nadia Williams and Owen Findlay.
Mon, 10 Dec 2018 - 41min - 243 - Ten NT Plays that Would Have Been Banned
To mark the 50th anniversary of the end of stage censorship in Britain, theatre historians and NT actors explore the NT plays which would have been banned by the Lord Chamberlain's Office if state control of plays had not been abolished by the Theatres Act in September 1968.
Mon, 03 Dec 2018 - 59min - 242 - Director Simon Godwin on Antony and CleopatraMon, 03 Dec 2018 - 31min
- 241 - Three Perspectives on Dying
Dying and death is something we will all experience in our lifetime: the loss of a loved one, fear of dying or perhaps trying to extend our lives. Malika Booker, Rachel Clarke and Tony Walter explore different perspectives on dying. Malika Booker is a British Caribbean writer, Her collection Pepper Seed was published by Peepal Tree Press in 2013 and The Penguin Modern Poets Series 3 in 2017. She is currently a LHRI Fellow at Leeds University where she is conducting a creative research project gathering memories and anecdotes about Caribbean funerals, wakes and nine nights. Rachel Clarke is a current NHS doctor, former television journalist and author of Your Life in My Hands. She works in palliative medicine, believing that helping patients at the end of life experience the best quality life possible, is priceless. Professor Tony Walter is a sociologist who works with the University of Bath's Centre for Death & Society. He has written and lectured on diverse aspects of death in the modern world. His latest book is What Death Means Now (Policy Press).
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 - 41min - 240 - Patrick Marber on Exit the King
Patrick Marber talks about his new production, Exit the King, with Rachel Cooke. Patrick Marber’s plays for the National Theatre include Dealer’s Choice, Closer, The Red Lion, Three Days in the Country, The Beaux’ Stratagem, and Hedda Gabler.
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 - 28min - 239 - Ned Bennett and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on An OctoroonFri, 13 Jul 2018 - 21min
- 238 - Director Ian Rickson on Translations
Join the director as he reflects on his production of Translations, chaired by Tanya Seghatchian. Ian Rickson was artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre from 1998 to 2007. Recent West End work includes Jerusalem, Betrayal, Mojo, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? and The Birthday Party.
Wed, 20 Jun 2018 - 28min - 237 - Actor Kate Fleetwood on Absolute Hell
Kate Fleetwood reflects on the challenges and rewards of performing the roles of Christine Foskett in Absolute Hell. Kate Fleetwood was in King Lear, Ugly Lies the Bone, 50 Years on Stage, London Road and Love’s Labour’s Lost at the NT, and Macbeth and Medea in the West End.
Wed, 20 Jun 2018 - 43min - 236 - Culture after Windrush
A panel discussion with contributions from artist Larry Achiampong, writer and academic Margaret Byron, Matthew Ryder (Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility, Community Engagement), Sharon Watson (Artistic Director, Phoenix Dance Theatre) and chaired by presenter Brenda Emannus which explores issues of race, immigration and culture: exploring immigration in and before the 1940's with SS Empire Windrush and the continuing impact in contemporary arts and culture in the UK.
An event inspired by the new production of Nine Night by Natasha Gordon.
Tue, 29 May 2018 - 28min - 235 - Performing Shakespeare
The Arden Shakespeare has released a new series, Arden Performance Editions, specially annotated to help actors, directors and students in the rehearsal and classroom. Join series editors Abigail Rokison-Woodall and Simon Russell Beale to discuss the perks, pitfalls and practicalities of bringing Shakespeare’s plays off the page and on to the stage.
Tue, 22 May 2018 - 1h 01min - 234 - Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear on Macbeth
Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear reflect on the challenges and rewards of playing Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, chaired by Tazeen Ahmad. Anne-Marie Duff’s work at the NT includes King Lear, Saint Joan, Husbands and Sons, and War and Peace. Rory Kinnear’s work at the NT includes Othello (Olivier Award for Best Actor), The Threepenny Opera, Last of the Haussmans and Hamlet.
Tue, 22 May 2018 - 40min - 233 - Natasha Gordon and Roy Alexander Weise on Nine Night
The writer and director discuss their production of Nine Night.
Natasha Gordon is a London-born actress and writer of Jamaican descent. She has performed at Tricycle Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic and RSC. Nine Night is her first play.
Roy Alexander Weise won the James Menzies-Kitchen Young Director award in 2016 and his credits include The Mountaintop at the Young Vic, Dead Don’t Floss at the NT, The Ugly One at Park Theatre and Primetime at the Royal Court.
Mon, 14 May 2018 - 26min - 232 - Reasons to be Graeae
A panel event to launch Oberon’s new book Reasons to be Graeae, celebrating the first 38 years of the UK’s first disabled-led theatre company. Several of the books contributors including Jenny Sealey, Jack Thorne, Alison Halstead, Nicola Miles-Wildin, Rufus Norris and Daryl Beeton* will be talking about their involvement with Graeae over the last four decades, as well as taking questions.
To read the transcript of this event visit: http://graeae.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Graeae-Launch-260418-draft-note.pdf
Wed, 09 May 2018 - 32min - 231 - Jo Nesbo: Macbeth
Number 1 bestselling crime-writer Jo Nesbo (The Snowman, The Thirst) discusses his gripping new thriller, Macbeth, on the eve of its publication. Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
Thu, 19 Apr 2018 - 29min - 230 - Lucian Msamati and Adam Gillen on Mozart and Salieri
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing the roles of Mozart and Salieri in Amadeus.
Thu, 29 Mar 2018 - 39min - 229 - Antony Sher: The Lear Diaries
To mark the publication of his new book, Year of the Mad King: The Lear Diaries, Antony Sher will be discussing his experiences of returning to Shakespeare’s King Lear after more than 30 years to perform the title role.
Sher kept a diary, capturing every step of his personal and creative journey to opening night. Year of the Mad King: The Lear Diaries is Sher’s account of researching, rehearsing and performing one of Shakespeare's greatest roles. His honest, illuminating and witty commentary provides an intimate, first-hand look at the development of his Lear and the production as a whole. Chaired by Sue MacGregor.
Tue, 27 Mar 2018 - 29min - 228 - National Debate: The Influence of the Media
Studies show that mainstream and social media influence our daily decisions; what to buy, how to vote and even how to treat people or view society. We're increasingly relying on social networks as our source of news – is this trend reducing the power and influence of owners of the major news outlets?
A panel discusses what can be done to reduce the impact of fake news, and ensure reporting is unbiased; leaving consumers, voters and viewers to form their own opinions. Panellists include Claire Fox (Academy of Ideas), Janine Gibson (Buzzfeed), and Fatima Manji (Channel 4), chaired by Tazeen Ahmad.
Mon, 26 Mar 2018 - 34min - 227 - The Future of Musical Theatre
A conversation exploring recent influences and shifts in writing for musical theatre, and looking forward to the future of the genre. Speakers include Anthony Drewe, Victoria Saxton and Sevan Tavoukdijan, chaired by Adam Lenson.
Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 43min - 226 - Shakespeare's England in 1606 with James Shapiro
1606, while a very good year for Shakespeare (he wrote Macbeth, King Lear and Antony and Cleopatra), was a fraught one for England. The plague had returned. There was resistance to the new king's desire to turn England and Scotland into a united Britain. Fear and uncertainty across the land exposed deep divisions in the aftermath of a failed terrorist attack that came to be known as the Gunpowder Plot. Join James Shapiro to explore how Shakespeare’s plays responded to the tumultuous events of 1606.
James Shapiro, who teaches English at Columbia University in New York, is author of several books, including 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare (winner of the BBC4 Samuel Johnson Prize in 2006), 1606: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear, as well as Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare? He also serves on the Board of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This talk will be chaired by Mark Lawson.
Wed, 07 Mar 2018 - 32min - 225 - Dennis Kelly on Pinocchio
Writer Dennis Kelly reflects on his role in the National Theatre's production of Pinocchio. Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
Thu, 01 Mar 2018 - 30min - 224 - Chloe Lamford and James Macdonald on John
Join the director and designer as they reflect on their new production of John. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.
Chloe Lamford’s work spans theatre, installation, music and opera nationally and internationally. She is associate designer at the Royal Court, and regularly designs for the National Theatre and the Young Vic, amongst others. Recent designs for NT include Amadeus and Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour.
James Macdonald was associate and deputy director of the Royal Court (1992 – 2006), and has directed productions at Donmar Warehouse, Almeida, Hampstead Theatre, Royal Court, in the West End, and in New York he has worked for Public Theater, Lincoln Center, NYTW and for MTC on Broadway. For NT has directed Dido Queen of Carthage, The Hour We Knew Nothing Of Each Other and Exiles.
Mon, 12 Feb 2018 - 27min - 222 - Bob Crowley and Toby Olié on Pinocchio
Set and Costume Designer and Puppet Co-designer Bob Crowley (The History Boys), Puppetry Director and Puppet Co-designer Toby Olié (War Horse) and Director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) reflect on their new production of Pinocchio. Chaired by Kate Bassett.
Fri, 12 Jan 2018 - 26min - 221 - Josephine Barstow and Tracie Bennett on Follies
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Follies, chaired by Clemency Burton-Hill. Josephine Barstow has performed in opera houses across the world alongside artists such as Domingo and Pavarotti, and under the baton of Solti and Karajan. Tracie Bennett originated the roles of Laura Henderson in Mrs Henderson Presents, Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow and has won Olivier awards for her performances in She Loves Me and Hairspray.
Mon, 08 Jan 2018 - 46min - 220 - Private Eye: A Review Of 2017
Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye looks back on 2017 with regular guests Craig Brown, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens and John Sessions.
Private Eye is a British fortnightly satirical and current affairs news magazine, founded in 1961. It is published in London and has been edited by Ian Hislop since 1986.
Tue, 19 Dec 2017 - 1h 02min - 219 - Little Me: The A-Z of Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas, one of Britain's best-loved comedians and actors, speaks about his memoir. Chaired by comedy historian Robert Ross.
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 - 36min - 218 - A Poem for Every Day of the Year
Following the success of A Poem for Every Night of the Year (Independent Bookshop Week Award 2017) Allie Esiri’s new anthology, A Poem for Every Day of the Year is a journey through a calendar year, highlighting key moments and dates with a poem for every day, by writers such as Keats, W H Auden, Maya Angelou and Kate Tempest. An inspiring evening of readings of some of the magical and humorous poems in this journey through history and human experience. Read by actors including Adjoa Andoh, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Mangan, Helen McCrory, Simon Russell Beale and Samuel West.
Fri, 01 Dec 2017 - 50min - 217 - National Debate: Class - an unequal nation?
A panel explores how class affects our chosen path in life, and how easy is it to break out of the social hierarchy. Is the class system still relevant in 21st-century Britain? The National Theatre presents a debate inspired by the production of Saint George and the Dragon. Speakers include Dawn Foster (author of Lean Out), Abid Hussain (Director of Diversity, Arts Council England), David Lammy MP, Mike Savage (Martin White Professor of Sociology, LSE), and chaired by Guardian joint Political Editor Anushka Asthana.
Mon, 20 Nov 2017 - 35min - 216 - Polly Findlay and David Eldridge on Beginning
Join writer David Eldridge and director Polly Findlay as they reflect on their production of Beginning. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.
Mon, 06 Nov 2017 - 30min - 215 - Dominic Cooke on Follies
Dominic Cooke discusses his work as director on Stephen Sondheim’s Follies for the Olivier stage in 2017.
Thu, 26 Oct 2017 - 23min - 214 - Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap on Jane Eyre
Actors Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap discuss the challenges and rewards of playing Jane Eyre and Rochester in Jane Eyre. Chaired by Sarfraz Manzoor.
Wed, 25 Oct 2017 - 44min - 213 - London Theatres
London is the theatre capital of the world. From world-famous musicals to West End shows, from cutting-edge plays to Shakespeare in its original staging, from outdoor performance to intimate fringe theatre, the range and quality is unsurpassed.
Critic Michael Coveney and photographer Peter Dazeley will be joined by Mark Rylance and Rosemary Squire as they discuss some of the 46 theatres profiled in their new book London Theatres published by Frances Lincoln, with stories of the architecture, productions and personalities that have defined these buildings.
Chaired by Rachel Tackley.
Thu, 12 Oct 2017 - 29min - 212 - Peter Brook: Tip of the Tongue
One of the world's best-known theatre directors discusses his new book Tip of the Tongue and his work in the arts, chaired by Richard Eyre.
In Tip of the Tongue, Peter Brook takes a charming, playful and wise look at topics such as the subtle, telling differences between French and English and the many levels on which we can appreciate the works for Shakespeare. Brook also revisits his seminal concept of the 'empty space', considering how theatre - and the world - have changed over the span of his long and distinguished career.
Tue, 10 Oct 2017 - 27min - 211 - Janie Dee and Philip Quast on Follies
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Follies, chaired by Matt Wolf.
Philip Quast originated the role of Javert in Les Misérables (Australia), and played Georges Seurat in the National Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. Quast has won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical three times – the most of any actor to date.
Janie Dee originated the role of Jacie Triplethree in Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential, a role written ‘with Janie in mind’, and won multiple awards for it. At the NT, Dee has played Julie in Johnny on a Spot, Helen of Troy in The Women of Troy, and won an Olivier Award for her performance in Carousel.
Wed, 04 Oct 2017 - 44min - 210 - Mona Juul on the Oslo AccordsWed, 04 Oct 2017 - 26min
- 209 - Lucy Kirkwood and Rufus Norris on MosquitoesTue, 26 Sep 2017 - 27min
- 208 - Olivia Colman and Olivia Williams on Mosquitoes
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Mosquitoes, chaired by Miranda Sawyer.
Colman is perhaps best known for her on-screen appearances, including That Mitchell and Webb Look, Peep Show, Broadchurch, Twenty Twelve, The Night Manager, and films including Hot Fuzz, The Iron Lady, and The Lobster. Williams' previous NT appearances include Waste, Happy Now?, Love's Labour's Lost, and Richard III, and films include Emma, The Sixth Sense, An Education, and The Ghost Writer.
Tue, 26 Sep 2017 - 34min - 207 - Nathan Lane and Russell Tovey on Angels in America
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Angels in America. Chaired by Matt Wolf.
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 - 44min - 206 - Anne-Marie Duff on Common
The actor Anne-Marie Duff reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Mary in Common. Chaired by Clemency Burton-Hill.
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 - 40min - 205 - George Monbiot in Conversation
George Monbiot is a bestselling UK-based author and columnist known for his writing on environmental and political issues and activism.
Here he will focus on the issue of common land as a starting point for a wide-ranging discussion, as DC Moore's new play, Common, plays at the National.
Monbiot co-founded The Land is Ours a landrights campaign for Britain in 1995 and his latest book is How Did We Get into This Mess? Politics, Equality, Nature.
Fri, 28 Jul 2017 - 31min - 204 - Marianne Elliott on Angels in AmericaThu, 13 Jul 2017 - 23min
- 203 - Tony Kushner on Angels in AmericaThu, 13 Jul 2017 - 28min
- 202 - Jeremy Herrin and D C Moore on CommonFri, 07 Jul 2017 - 26min
- 201 - Andrew Garfield and Denise Gough on Angels in America
The actors Andrew Garfield and Denise Gough discuss their experience of performing in Angels in America. Chaired by Kate Bassett.
Tue, 04 Jul 2017 - 58min - 200 - Curious Incident: Farewell to the West End
Celebrating the final week of performances in the West End, this exclusive platform brings together the original Olivier and Tony Award®-winning creative team of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, including the director Marianne Elliott, playwright, Simon Stephens, Lighting Designer, Paule Constable, Designer, Bunny Christie, Video Designer, Finn Ross, Movement directors: Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett, Sound Designer Ian Dickinson and composer Adrian Sutton.
Thu, 29 Jun 2017 - 29min - 199 - Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman
One of Britain’s best loved impressionists, the BBC’s Dead Ringers star debuts her new one woman show with special guest appearances from Theresa May and Hillary Clinton to name but a few.
Wed, 28 Jun 2017 - 57min - 198 - The Reality Gap
A panel discussion exploring 'The Reality Gap'; the distance between what established politicians tell voters and the perceived realities of everyday people in the US and UK. The discussion is in association with Squint theatre company and will be chaired by Squint Artistic Director Andrew Whyment, with contributions from a panel of expert political commentators including BBC Newsnight's Gabriel Gatehouse, Sarah Churchwell and David Goodhart.
2016 was a year of political change on both sides of the Atlantic. Squint theatre company were up close to events in America, travelling over 4,000 miles interviewing voters from across the political divide to research their forthcoming production. On the week of the UK's general election, they have brought together expert political commentators to discuss how cognitive dissonance, broken promises and the erosion of trust led to the election of Donald Trump.
Squint is a London-based theatre company that asks big questions about the world through exhilarating and provocative new work. Their distinctive, ensemble-driven productions collide new writing, music, movement and multimedia to create visceral and highly visual experiences. Squint research journalistically, develop collaboratively and rehearse playfully. squintonline.com
Wed, 21 Jun 2017 - 45min - 197 - Nicholas Hytner: Balancing Acts
Nicholas Hytner reveals the inside story of his 12 years at the helm of the National. This is a story about actors, writers and directors; about directing new plays like The History Boys and One Man, Two Guvnors; films like The Madness of King George; about probing Shakespeare from every angle and reinventing the classics; and about coming up time and again against the challenge of reconciling art and commerce. With candour, intelligence, humour and insight borne from experience of extraordinary successes and lunatic failures, he explores the biggest questions facing the creative industries right now.
Chaired by Simon Russell Beale.
Thu, 25 May 2017 - 34min - 196 - The National Theatre Podcast
We have a new show! Here's some information about the brand new National Theatre Podcast, with episode one available to download now.
Mon, 22 May 2017 - 0min - 195 - Private Eye at 50 years - for iPod/iPhoneTue, 13 Dec 2011 - 1h 03min
- 194 - Alan Bennett reads his introduction to PeopleThu, 11 Jul 2013 - 28min
- 193 - Women in Greek Theatre
This film explores the role of women in Ancient Greek society and the representation of female identity in Antigone, Women of Troy and Medea.
Dr Lucy Jackson, Teaching Fellow at King's College London & Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) looks back over these recent Greek productions at the National Theatre, featuring Helen McCrory and Jodie Whittaker.
For background detail on Greek theatre productions at the National Theatre, see our online exhibit: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/u/0/exhibit/greek-tragedy-at-the-national-theatre/wRnC0fJ0
Wed, 04 Mar 2015 - 6min - 192 - Redressing the Balance: Gender in Shakespeare
With recent productions of King Lear at the Old Vic, the Donmar’s trilogy of The Tempest, Henry IV and Julius Caesar, and our own Twelfth Night in mind, a panel questions the reasons for, and challenges of, swapping the gender for some of Shakespeare’s key roles, and whether this makes them more relevant or accessible for today’s audience. What can an actress bring to these roles – and is there any fundamental difference in the way they must be played?
Guests include Maria Aberg, Samuel Barnett, and Harriet Walter, whose new book, Brutus and Other Heroines, is an exploration of the Shakespearean canon through the eyes of ‘a self-identified feminist actor’, as she describes herself.
Chaired by Genista McIntosh.
Tue, 25 Apr 2017 - 22min - 191 - Tamsin Greig on Twelfth NightThu, 30 Mar 2017 - 37min
- 190 - Simon Godwin on Twelfth NightWed, 29 Mar 2017 - 21min
- 189 - My Country: Rufus Norris and Pádraig Cusack
The project producer, Pádraig Cusack, and the National's Director, Rufus Norris, talk about My Country.
Thu, 23 Mar 2017 - 32min - 188 - Improbable on Lost Without Words
Artistic Directors Lee Simpson and Phelim McDermott discuss Improbable's new show, Lost Without Words.
Fri, 17 Mar 2017 - 25min - 187 - Ugly Lies The Bone: Ferrentino and Rubasingham
Writer Lindsey Ferrentino is joined by director Indhu Rubasingham to discuss the European premiere of Ugly Lies the Bone.
Fri, 10 Mar 2017 - 27min - 186 - Denzel Washington on Fences
Director and actor, Denzel Washington discusses his new film Fences adapted from the play by August Wilson.
Thu, 02 Mar 2017 - 23min - 185 - Ruth Wilson on Hedda GablerTue, 21 Feb 2017 - 32min
- 184 - Ivo van Hove and Patrick Marber on Hedda Gabler
Director Ivo van Hove and writer Patrick Marber discuss this new version of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler with Kirsty Wark.
Wed, 08 Feb 2017 - 23min - 183 - Lucian Msamati on Amadeus
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Salieri in this new production of Amadeus.
Wed, 18 Jan 2017 - 42min - 182 - Alexander Zeldin on LOVEWed, 11 Jan 2017 - 22min
- 181 - Private Eye: A Review of 2016
In his 30th year as Editor of the satirical magazine, Ian Hislop looks back on 2016 with regular guests Craig Brown, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens and John Sessions.
Tue, 20 Dec 2016 - 1h 00min - 180 - Alan Bennett: Keeping On Keeping On
The writer reads from Keeping On Keeping On, his new collection of prose, following Writing Home and Untold Stories. It includes reflections on his collaboration with Nicholas Hytner, a comic radio play, and his diaries of 2005-2015, a decade that saw four premieres at the National Theatre (including The Habit of Art), a double bill in the West End, and the films of The History Boys and The Lady in the Van.
Thu, 15 Dec 2016 - 43min - 179 - A Poem For Every Night Of The Year
The live recording of readings from A Poem For Every Night of the Year, including joyous, magical, dramatic and humorous poems in the journey through history and human experience.
Allie Esiri’s new anthology is a journey through a calendar year, highlighting key moments and dates with a poem for every night, by writers such as Maya Angelou, Robert Burns and Benjamin Zephaniah.
With guest readers Kate Duchêne, Hattie Morahan, Giles Terera and Samuel West.
Thu, 08 Dec 2016 - 46min - 178 - Michael Longhurst on Amadeus
Director Michael Longhurst discusses his new production of Peter Shaffer’s play, Amadeus, with Kate Mosse.
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 - 22min - 177 - David Hare and John Simenon on The Red Barn
Playwright David Hare discusses his new play, The Red Barn, adapted from Georges Simenon’s novel La Main, with John Simenon, who reflects on his father’s literary legacy.
La Main is published as The Hand by Penguin Classics on 6 October, part of its long-term project to bring the Belgian writer to a British audience.
Mon, 28 Nov 2016 - 28min - 176 - A Pacifist's Guide To The War On Cancer: Bryony KimmingsThu, 10 Nov 2016 - 28min
- 175 - NT: 40 Years as a Space for Plays
On this date in 1976, the National Theatre’s new building on the South Bank was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen.
Paule Constable (lighting designer and NT Associate), Richard Pilbrow (Laurence Olivier’s lighting director and theatre consultant), and Steve Tompkins (co-founder of Haworth Tompkins Ltd, architects on the NT Future project) explore the process of the architectural design of the three NT theatre spaces, and celebrate the creativity of the theatre designer over the last 40 years with the practical experiences of working onstage.
Chaired by Gavin Henderson, Principal of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Fri, 28 Oct 2016 - 36min - 174 - Alexander Technique in the Theatre
As her memoir, Touching Lives, is published, Sue Laurie reflects on thirty years of learning, training and teaching the Alexander Technique – an integral part of the inner workings of the National Theatre and RSC.
She talks about the huge impact that Alexander Technique has on voice, body and mind for actors, directors and puppeteers, and her own indomitable passion for theatre with actor Michelle Terry (NT: Cleansed, London Assurance) and director Ian Rickson (NT: Evening at the Talk House, The Red Lion), who calls her work ‘invaluable during rehearsal… almost imperceptible yet with palpable results’.
Mon, 17 Oct 2016 - 25min - 173 - Sean O'Casey by his Daughter
Director Shivaun O’Casey, the playwright’s daughter, reflects on his life and work, including his play, The Plough and the Stars, in a conversation with Fergal Keane, award-winning journalist and Special Correspondent with BBC News.
Thu, 29 Sep 2016 - 26min - 172 - Jonathan Kent on Young ChekhovWed, 21 Sep 2016 - 31min
- 171 - Helen McCrory on The Deep Blue SeaFri, 16 Sep 2016 - 29min
- 170 - Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour: Vicky Featherstone and Lee HallThu, 08 Sep 2016 - 27min
- 169 - Lear and Rosalind
The timeless Shakespearean characters of Lear and Rosalind are given a voice through the different and unorthodox approach of their biographers, in two newly-published books.
Michael Pennington, who played King Lear in New York and is currently touring the UK, takes us on a journey through the play from the point of view of Lear himself, commenting on its motives and themes in Lear’s own words, in King Lear in Brooklyn.
Angela Thirlwell explores the fictitious life and the many after-lives of Shakespeare’s progressive heroine Rosalind, and her perennial influence on drama, fiction and art, using interviews with actors and directors in Rosalind: A Biography of Shakespeare’s Immortal Heroine.
Tue, 31 May 2016 - 34min - 168 - Another World: Islamic State Discussion (part 3/3)Mon, 09 May 2016 - 36min
- 167 - Another World: Islamic State Discussion (part 2/3)Mon, 09 May 2016 - 39min
- 166 - Shakespeare: Writer for Today
From the new series of the BBC's The Hollow Crown, director Dominic Cooke and writer Ben Power discuss their approach to filming Shakespeare's work for the screen.
Wed, 27 Apr 2016 - 15min - 165 - Shakespeare: The 21st Century
The former Director of the National Theatre talks to Abigail Rokison-Woodall about his enormous contribution to the history of Shakespeare at the NT.
In her forthcoming new book, Shakespeare in the Theatre: Nicholas Hytner, she looks at his career through his Shakespeare productions as a whole, including those of Henry V, Much Ado about Nothing, Timon of Athens and Othello at the National.
Wed, 27 Apr 2016 - 50min - 164 - Shakespeare and Migration: Lenny Henry
Lenny Henry and George Alagiah look at how migration and exile are explored in Shakespeare’s play, The Comedy or Errors, and discuss how the situations experienced by the characters might be mirrored today.
Tue, 26 Apr 2016 - 41min - 163 - Shakespeare and Old Age: Simon Russell BealeTue, 26 Apr 2016 - 42min
- 162 - Another World: Islamic State DiscussionMon, 25 Apr 2016 - 36min
- 161 - Les Blancs
Lorraine Hansberry's Literary Executor and Director of her Literary Trust, Joi Gresham, joins director Yaël Farber and dramaturg Drew Lichtenberg to discuss the playwright’s work and legacy, and this new production of her play, Les Blancs.
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/les-blancs
#LesBlancsThis is a recording of a live platform event.
Wed, 06 Apr 2016 - 27min
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