Episodes
Director Pam MacKinnon and Writer Bruce Norris on Downstate
Apr 03 2019
Join the director and writer as they reflect on their production of Downstate, with Rana Mitter.
Writer David Hare on I'm Not Running
Jan 16 2019
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 L...more
Director Rachel Chavkin and Writer Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown
Jan 16 2019
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).
Playwriting Then and Now
Dec 10 2018
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?...more
The Influence of Lecoq on UK Theatre
Dec 10 2018
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 o...more
Dramatic Exchanges: the Lives and Letters of the NT
Dec 10 2018
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.
Three Perspectives on Dying
Dec 03 2018
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 g...more
Patrick Marber on Exit the King
Dec 03 2018
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.
Ned Bennett and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on An Octoroon
Dec 03 2018
The director and writer reflect on their production of An Octoroon. Ned Bennett directed Pomona at the Orange Tree Theatre, National Theatre and Royal Exchange; The Crocodile at the Manchester International Festival and Yen at the Royal Court and the Royal Exchange. He won the UK Theatre Award for Best Director for Pomona and Yen Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won the 2014 Obie Award for Best New American Play for Appropriate and An Octoroon. He was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for...more
Ten NT Plays that Would Have Been Banned
Dec 03 2018
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.
Director Simon Godwin on Antony and Cleopatra
Dec 03 2018
Join the director as he reflects on his production of Antony & Cleopatra, with Fiona Mountford.
Director Ian Rickson on Translations
Jun 20 2018
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.
Actor Kate Fleetwood on Absolute Hell
Jun 20 2018
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.
Culture after Windrush
May 29 2018
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 ...more
Performing Shakespeare
May 22 2018
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.
Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear on Macbeth
May 22 2018
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.
Natasha Gordon and Roy Alexander Weise on Nine Night
May 14 2018
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.
Reasons to be Graeae
May 09 2018
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-2604...more
Jo Nesbo: Macbeth
Apr 19 2018
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.
Lucian Msamati and Adam Gillen on Mozart and Salieri
Mar 29 2018
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing the roles of Mozart and Salieri in Amadeus.
Antony Sher: The Lear Diaries
Mar 27 2018
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 pr...more
National Debate: The Influence of the Media
Mar 26 2018
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 F...more
The Future of Musical Theatre
Mar 07 2018
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.
Shakespeare's England in 1606 with James Shapiro
Mar 07 2018
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 16...more
Dennis Kelly on Pinocchio
Mar 01 2018
Writer Dennis Kelly reflects on his role in the National Theatre's production of Pinocchio. Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
Chloe Lamford and James Macdonald on John
Feb 12 2018
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...more
Bob Crowley and Toby Olié on Pinocchio
Jan 12 2018
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.
Josephine Barstow and Tracie Bennett on Follies
Jan 08 2018
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.
Private Eye: A Review Of 2017
Dec 19 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.
Little Me: The A-Z of Matt Lucas
Dec 14 2017
Matt Lucas, one of Britain's best-loved comedians and actors, speaks about his memoir. Chaired by comedy historian Robert Ross.
A Poem for Every Day of the Year
Dec 01 2017
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, Joan...more
National Debate: Class - an unequal nation?
Nov 20 2017
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 Ed...more
Polly Findlay and David Eldridge on Beginning
Nov 06 2017
Join writer David Eldridge and director Polly Findlay as they reflect on their production of Beginning. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.
Dominic Cooke on Follies
Oct 26 2017
Dominic Cooke discusses his work as director on Stephen Sondheim’s Follies for the Olivier stage in 2017.
Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap on Jane Eyre
Oct 25 2017
Actors Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap discuss the challenges and rewards of playing Jane Eyre and Rochester in Jane Eyre. Chaired by Sarfraz Manzoor.
London Theatres
Oct 12 2017
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, pr...more
Peter Brook: Tip of the Tongue
Oct 10 2017
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...more
Janie Dee and Philip Quast on Follies
Oct 04 2017
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 ...more
Mona Juul on the Oslo Accords
Oct 04 2017
Norwegian Ambassador H E Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen played key roles in the Oslo Accords, which are featured in J.T. Rogers' Oslo, which runs in the Lyttelton Theatre in September. H E Mona Juul has been Norway's ambassador to the UK since August 2014.
Lucy Kirkwood and Rufus Norris on Mosquitoes
Sep 26 2017
The writer and director talk about their new production, Mosquitoes. Chaired by Dan Rebellato. Following her success with Chimerica, the world premiere of Kirkwood’s newest play is directed by Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre.
Olivia Colman and Olivia Williams on Mosquitoes
Sep 26 2017
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 Write...more
Nathan Lane and Russell Tovey on Angels in America
Aug 08 2017
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Angels in America. Chaired by Matt Wolf.
Anne-Marie Duff on Common
Aug 08 2017
The actor Anne-Marie Duff reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Mary in Common. Chaired by Clemency Burton-Hill.
George Monbiot in Conversation
Jul 28 2017
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.
Marianne Elliott on Angels in America
Jul 13 2017
The Director talks about her production of Angels in America, chaired by Susannah Clapp.
Tony Kushner on Angels in America
Jul 13 2017
The writer discusses his play, Angels in America. Chaired by Ola Animashawun.
Jeremy Herrin and D C Moore on Common
Jul 07 2017
The director and writer talk about their latest production, Common, chaired by Fiona Mountford.
Andrew Garfield and Denise Gough on Angels in America
Jul 04 2017
The actors Andrew Garfield and Denise Gough discuss their experience of performing in Angels in America. Chaired by Kate Bassett.
Curious Incident: Farewell to the West End
Jun 29 2017
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.
Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman
Jun 28 2017
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.
The Reality Gap
Jun 21 2017
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...more
Nicholas Hytner: Balancing Acts
May 25 2017
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...more
The National Theatre Podcast
May 22 2017
We have a new show! Here's some information about the brand new National Theatre Podcast, with episode one available to download now.
Redressing the Balance: Gender in Shakespeare
Apr 25 2017
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...more
Tamsin Greig on Twelfth Night
Mar 30 2017
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Malvolia in Twelfth Night.
Simon Godwin on Twelfth Night
Mar 29 2017
Director Simon Godwin talks about his production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
My Country: Rufus Norris and Pádraig Cusack
Mar 23 2017
The project producer, Pádraig Cusack, and the National's Director, Rufus Norris, talk about My Country.
Improbable on Lost Without Words
Mar 17 2017
Artistic Directors Lee Simpson and Phelim McDermott discuss Improbable's new show, Lost Without Words.
Ugly Lies The Bone: Ferrentino and Rubasingham
Mar 10 2017
Writer Lindsey Ferrentino is joined by director Indhu Rubasingham to discuss the European premiere of Ugly Lies the Bone.
Denzel Washington on Fences
Mar 02 2017
Director and actor, Denzel Washington discusses his new film Fences adapted from the play by August Wilson.
Ruth Wilson on Hedda Gabler
Feb 21 2017
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing the title role in Hedda Gabler.
Ivo van Hove and Patrick Marber on Hedda Gabler
Feb 08 2017
Director Ivo van Hove and writer Patrick Marber discuss this new version of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler with Kirsty Wark.
Lucian Msamati on Amadeus
Jan 18 2017
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Salieri in this new production of Amadeus.
Alexander Zeldin on LOVE
Jan 11 2017
The writer-director Alexander Zeldin talks to Samira Ahmed about his new play, LOVE.
Private Eye: A Review of 2016
Dec 20 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.
Alan Bennett: Keeping On Keeping On
Dec 15 2016
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.
A Poem For Every Night Of The Year
Dec 08 2016
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.
Michael Longhurst on Amadeus
Dec 01 2016
Director Michael Longhurst discusses his new production of Peter Shaffer’s play, Amadeus, with Kate Mosse.
David Hare and John Simenon on The Red Barn
Nov 28 2016
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.
A Pacifist's Guide To The War On Cancer: Bryony Kimmings
Nov 10 2016
Bryony Kimmings, director of this Complicite co-production, A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer, talks to comedian Jenny Eclair about the new musical as it arrives at the National. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/a-pacifists-guide-to-the-war-on-cancer
NT: 40 Years as a Space for Plays
Oct 28 2016
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...more
Alexander Technique in the Theatre
Oct 17 2016
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, Th...more
Sean O'Casey by his Daughter
Sep 29 2016
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.
Jonathan Kent on Young Chekhov
Sep 21 2016
As the Chichester Festival Theatre’s trilogy of Chekhov’s Platonov, Ivanov, and The Seagull comes to the National, director Jonathan Kent discusses the productions with Genista McIntosh. #YoungChekhov
Helen McCrory on The Deep Blue Sea
Sep 16 2016
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing Hester Collyer in The Deep Blue Sea.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour: Vicky Featherstone and Lee Hall
Sep 08 2016
The director and writer discuss this new musical, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, and its journey to the National. #OurLadies https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/our-ladies-of-perpetual-succour
Lear and Rosalind
May 31 2016
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 ...more
Another World: Islamic State Discussion (part 3/3)
May 09 2016
The last of a series of discussions on the issues raised by the play, Another World.
Another World: Islamic State Discussion (part 2/3)
May 09 2016
A series of discussions on the issues raised by the play, Another World.
Shakespeare: Writer for Today
Apr 27 2016
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.
Shakespeare: The 21st Century
Apr 27 2016
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.
Shakespeare and Migration: Lenny Henry
Apr 26 2016
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.
Shakespeare and Old Age: Simon Russell Beale
Apr 26 2016
Simon Russell Beale and Simon Lovestone look at how memory and ageing are explored in Shakespeare’s play, King Lear, and discuss how the situations experienced by the characters might be mirrored today. Part of the Shakespeare400 Partnership, coordinated by King’s College London.
Another World: Islamic State Discussion
Apr 25 2016
A series of discussions on the issues raised by the play, Another World. https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/another-world-losing-our-children-to-islamic-state
Les Blancs
Apr 06 2016
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 #LesBlancs This is a recording of a live platform event.
The Solid Life of Sugar Water
Mar 16 2016
Graeae Associate Director Amit Sharma and playwright Jack Thorne talk to Kate Bassett about the production. http://www.graeae.org/productions/sugar/ #SugarWater
Private Eye: a review of 2015
Dec 18 2015
The annual treat for fans of the satirical magazine, as Editor Ian Hislop looks back on the past year with regular guests Craig Brown, Harry Enfield, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens and John Sessions. www.private-eye.co.uk twitter.com/privateeyenews facebook.com/PrivateEyeNews This is a recording of a live platform event.
Chiwetel Ejiofor on Everyman
Aug 07 2015
The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing the title role in Everyman. Chaired by Mark Lawson. #ntEveryman www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/everyman
Ralph Fiennes on Man and Superman
May 28 2015
The actor talks about the challenges and rewards of playing Jack Tanner in Man and Superman. Chaired by Joan Bakewell.
Alan Bennett in conversation: part two - audio
Mar 20 2015
The perennial playwright reflects on his career with Nicholas Hytner, discussing work from 1991 to the present day.
Alan Bennett in conversation: part one - audio
Mar 10 2015
Alan Bennett joins Nick Hytner to discuss his earliest work, their many collaborations and Bennett's illustrious career as a playwright.
Women in Greek Theatre
Mar 04 2015
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 exhibi...more
Judi Dench at the National Theatre
Jan 02 2015
Judi Dench joins Angus MacKechnie on the Lyttelton stage to discuss her career and share memorable moments from her performances at the National Theatre.
Helen McCrory in conversation
Aug 29 2014
Helen McCrory talks to Genista McIntosh about her acting career and her experience preparing for the role of Medea in Ben Power's new version.
Sam Mendes in conversation
Jun 30 2014
The film and stage director talks to Mark Leipacher about his acclaimed production of King Lear, working with Simon Russell Beale and his career. This is a recording of a live Platform event from May 2014.
Michael Palin on Monty Python at Work
Jun 13 2014
Michael Palin talks to Edith Bowman about his new book Monty Python at Work, sharing his experiences with the comedy group. This is a recording of a live Platform event from June 2014.
Alan Ayckbourn in conversation
May 23 2014
Alan Ayckbourn talks to Angus MacKechnie about his career, focusing on his work at the National Theatre whilst Peter Hall was Artistic Director and his recently revived play A Small Family Business.
Talking Lear: Simon Russell Beale on King Lear
Feb 21 2014
Simon Russell Beale talks to Mark Leipacher about the National Theatre's current production of King Lear directed by Sam Mendes. This is a recording of a live Platform event from February 2013.
Derek Jacobi in conversation
Jan 03 2014
Derek Jacobi talks to Al Senter about 'As Luck Would Have It', a book where he reflects on his career and life including working in the Old Vic alongside Laurence Olivier in the first years of the National Theatre.
Anne-Marie Duff in conversation
Jul 17 2013
Anne-Marie Duff talks to Al Senter about her acting career, her roles at the National Theatre and starring in the 2013 production of Eugene O'Neill's Stranger Interlude.
Alan Bennett reads his introduction to People
Jul 11 2013
Alan Bennett reads the introduction to the playscript of People as well as a poem by Philip Larkin, entitled The Explosion. This is a recording of a live Platform event from November 2012.
Adrian Lester in conversation
Jul 02 2013
Adrian Lester talks to Al Senter about playing the role of Othello in Nicholas Hytner's 2013 production, and how playing Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet influenced his performance. He also talks about acting and directing the BBC series of Hustle, performing for Stephen Sondheim and his future plans.
Peter Brook in conversation
May 14 2013
Peter Brook talks to Mark Lawson about his career and his new book, The Quality of Mercy, a collection of essays reflecting his lifelong interest in interpreting Shakespeare’s works for contemporary audiences. This is a recording of a live Platform event from April 2013.
Simon Russell Beale in conversation
Oct 30 2012
Simon Russell Beale talks to Al Senter about his career, including his role in Nicholas Hytner's Timon of Athens and playing Falstaff in Richard Eyre's The Hollow Crown.
Antony Sher in conversation
Aug 22 2012
The actor, author and artist Antony Sher talks to Sue MacGregor about his career, and his latest role in Travelling Light. This is a recording of a live Platform event from February 2012.
Alan Bennett and Judi Dench perform a short radio play
Aug 14 2012
Taken from the National Theatre's archive of Platform event, Alan BenneTt invited Judi Dench to perform a short radio play with him in front of a live audience at the National Theatre. This is an audio recording of a live event from 1995.
Rory Kinnear - Talking Shakespeare
Aug 14 2012
Rory Kinnear talks to Matt Wolf about his approach to playing the historic part of Hamlet in Nicholas Hytner's production and of the process behind creating his version of the role. This is a Platform event from January 2011.
Arthur Miller reads from his log of Death of a Salesman in Beijing
Aug 13 2012
Arthur Miller's plays, The Crucible, All My Sons, A View from the Bridge and Death of a Salesman, have been embraced all around the world. His work embodies the public issues of his day, translating them into terms of the private conscience. In this audio podcast from 1984 Arthur Miller reads from his log of Death of a Salesman in Beijing to a live audience at the National Theatre. This has been taken from the National Theatre Archive.
In conversation with James Corden
Aug 10 2012
An interview from June 2011 with James Corden about his current role in One Man, Two Guvnors and his career in theatre and television. This is a recording of a live Platform event from June 2011.
Private Eye at 50 years - for iPod/iPhone
Dec 13 2011
Ian Hislop, Harry Enfield, John Sessions and friends take a satirical look at 2011.