National Theatre Live

People: A Pretend England short film

You can now watch the preshow film from our People broadcast online. Looking at the play’s depiction of a changing Britain, it contains contributions from Alan Bennett, Nicholas Hytner, Frances de la Tour and Bill Bryson.

We’re just over a month away from our broadcast of James Graham’s exhilarating new play This House. Take a look at our gorgeous production image gallery for a taste of what to expect on May 16.

Nicholas Hytner to depart the National Theatre in 2015

Nicholas Hytner announced today that he is to step down as Director of the National Theatre at the end of March 2015. 

Nick Hytner said: “It’s been a joy and a privilege to lead the National Theatre for ten years and I’m looking forward to the next two. I have the most exciting and most fulfilling job in the English-speaking theatre; and after twelve years it will be time to give someone else a turn to enjoy the company of my stupendous colleagues, who together make the National what it is.”

Nick Starr, who has been Executive Director since 2002, also announced today that he will be leaving the NT during 2014. He said, “There’s a genius to this place and it will be a wrench to leave it. But I want to make room for the next generation, and it’s time for me to plough new furrows.”

John Makinson, Chairman of the National Theatre, said: “Nick Hytner and Nick Starr have led the National Theatre to undreamt levels of creative and commercial success over the past decade. Today’s announcement will not come as a surprise, as we have known for some time that they planned to initiate a phased succession process in the course of 2013. It is a sad moment for the National Theatre nonetheless.”

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/YcjjmJ

THIS HOUSE: Rehearsal Photos

It’s not long until we broadcast the Olivier Award-nominated This House live to cinemas around the world on May 16. We’ve got lots of exciting photos, interviews and podcasts coming your way over the next few weeks, but first enjoy these images of the company in the rehearsal room.

We’ve been lucky enough to chat to the cast of This House, and its writer James Graham recently. Watch out for the videos coming soon…

We’ll broadcast the phenomenal This House live next month on 16 May.
 
The BBC were invited into the rehearsal room earlier this year to find out more about the production - and to see what Ann Taylor, one of the real politicians featured in the show, thought about her onstage character…

In memory of Richard Griffiths, who passed away on Friday, this is a clip from his last stage appearance at the National Theatre inThe Habit of Art in 2010.

National Theatre Mourns a Loss

“Richard Griffiths wasn’t only one of the most loved and recognizable British actors – he was also one of the very greatest.”- Nicholas Hytner
 
We are greatly saddened by the unexpected death of Richard Griffiths, who appeared in The Habit of Art and The History Boys. A great actor, he will be hugely missed by all at the National Theatre. 

THE AUDIENCE: Independent Interview w/Helen Mirren
“Whenever I see the Queen,” the actress joked recently, “I always think, Oh, there I am!” She is clearly comfortable playing royalty.” - The Independent 
Our announcement of NT Live’s inclusion of West End’s The Audience with Helen Mirren has received much excitement from audiences around the globe. Cinemas have already started to sell out for the 13 June broadcast to catch this critically acclaimed performance.
The Independent recently sat down with Mirren to talk about her reprise of the iconic role and her acting career over the years. A great insight into one of today’s most seasoned stage and screen actress.

THE AUDIENCE: Independent Interview w/Helen Mirren

“Whenever I see the Queen,” the actress joked recently, “I always think, Oh, there I am!” She is clearly comfortable playing royalty.” - The Independent

Our announcement of NT Live’s inclusion of West End’s The Audience with Helen Mirren has received much excitement from audiences around the globe. Cinemas have already started to sell out for the 13 June broadcast to catch this critically acclaimed performance.

The Independent recently sat down with Mirren to talk about her reprise of the iconic role and her acting career over the years. A great insight into one of today’s most seasoned stage and screen actress.

THE AUDIENCE: Official Trailer

If you caught the NT Live broadcast of People last week, then you saw a glimpse of our upcoming production of Peter Mogan’s The Audience with Helen Mirren. If you missed, the full trailer is now available for your viewing pleasure!

Tickets at cinemas around the globe are going quick, so book today for the 13 June broadcast in your neighborhood!