NATIONAL THEATRE: JULY – NOVEMBER 2013
THE LIGHT PRINCESS, a new musical with music and lyrics by Tori Amos,
book and lyrics by Samuel Adamson, opens in the Lyttelton directed by
Marianne Elliott
Christopher Marlowe’s EDWARD II is directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins in the Olivier
EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES by Erich Kästner, in a new version by Carl Miller,
is directed by Bijan Sheibani in the Olivier
In The Shed: LIMITED EDITIONS; Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s THE WORLD OF
EXTREME HAPPINESS; and debbie tucker green’s nut
THE NATIONAL THEATRE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS on screen,
online and at the National
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE presents Macbeth from Manchester International
Festival, Othello from the Olivier and Coriolanus from the Donmar Warehouse
WAR HORSE and Alan Bennett’s PEOPLE on tour
Platforms, Exhibitions and Learning
EDWARD II
Travelex £12 Tickets, Olivier Theatre
Previews from 28 August, press night 4 September, playing in repertoire until 26
October
Joe Hill-Gibbins directs Christopher Marlowe’s EDWARD II, opening in the Olivier on
4 September. The cast includes Ben Addis, Alex Beckett, Paul Bentall, John
Heffernan, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Bettrys Jones, Vanessa Kirby, Nathaniel
Martello-White, Matthew Pidgeon, David Sibley and Kyle Soller. The production,
which will offer a contemporary take on Marlowe’s magnificent, erotic and violent
play, will have set designs by Lizzie Clachan, costumes by Alex Lowde, lighting by
James Farncombe, video design by Chris Kondek, music by Gary Yershon, sound by
Paul Arditti, movement by Imogen Knight and dramaturgy by Zoe Svensden.
Hot on the heels of his coronation, Edward II recalls his lover Gaveston from exile,
lavishing him with titles and riches. Their all-consuming lust makes enemies of the
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furious barons and bishops, alienates the King’s once-devoted Queen and tears
England to pieces. Ultimately, the monarch himself is destroyed as are many of those
who stood both at his side and in his way. EDWARD II is a behind-the-scenes
exploration of power, sexual obsession and a king who treats the realm as his
playground.
John Heffernan takes the title role. His previous NT appearances include She Stoops
to Conquer, Emperor and Galilean, After the Dance, The Habit of Art, The
Revenger’s Tragedy and Major Barbara for which he won an Ian Charleson Award.
His recent credits include the title role in Richard II (Tobacco Factory, Bristol), The
Hothouse (Trafalgar Studios), Love and Information (Royal Court), The Physicists
(Donmar Warehouse) and The Last Duchess (Hampstead Theatre).
Vanessa Kirby plays Queen Isabella; her recent theatre credits include Masha in
Three Sisters (Young Vic), The Acid Test (Royal Court) and Women Beware Women
at the NT. Her screen work includes Great Expectations, Labyrinth and Richard
Curtis’ forthcoming film About Time.
Kyle Soller (Gaveston) won the Evening Standard 2011 Theatre Award for
Outstanding Newcomer for his roles in The Glass Menagerie and The Government
Inspector (Young Vic) and The Faith Machine (Royal Court). Recently he has
appeared in Long Day's Journey Into Night (Apollo Theatre) and Cyrano de Bergerac
in New York.
Joe Hill-Gibbins makes his NT debut. He is Deputy Artistic Director of the Young Vic,
where his productions include The Changeling, The Glass Menagerie, The Beauty
Queen of Leenane and Alecky Blythe’s The Girlfriend Experience.
Almost half the seats in the Olivier will be Travelex £12 Tickets, with the rest at £24
and £34. Media partner: The Independent.
Press night: Wednesday 4 September
Contact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233; mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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THE LIGHT PRINCESS
Lyttelton Theatre
Previews from 25 September, press night 9 October, continuing in repertoire until early
2014 (more dates in December, January and February will be announced with the next
booking period)
THE LIGHT PRINCESS, a new musical with music and lyrics by Tori Amos and book
and lyrics by Samuel Adamson, will open in the Lyttelton Theatre on 9 October,
directed by Marianne Elliott. A dark fairytale about grief, rebellion and the power of
love, the production will be designed by Rae Smith, with lighting by Paule Constable
and choreography by Steven Hoggett. The music supervisor will be Martin Lowe, with
vocal arrangements by Tori Amos and Martin Lowe and arrangements by John Philip
Shenale; animations by Matthew Robins, puppetry direction by Finn Caldwell,
puppetry designs by Toby Olié; aerial designs by Paul Rubin and sound by Simon
Baker; the associate choreographer will be Neil Bettles.
The cast is Amy Booth-Steel, Stephanie Bron, Vivien Carter, James Charlton,
Rosalie Craig (Althea), Hal Fowler, Owain Gwynn, Nicola Hart, Nick Hendrix (Digby),
C J Johnson, Luke Johnson, David Langham, Richard Lowe, Tommy Luther, Jamie
Muscato, Emma Norin, Malinda Parris, Kane Oliver Parry, Adam Pearce, Caspar
Phillipson, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Clive Rowe, Nuno Silva, Phoebe Street, Ben
Thompson, and Lynne Wilmot.
Once in opposing kingdoms lived a princess and a prince who had lost their mothers.
Althea, unable to cry, became light with grief and floated, and so was locked away.
Digby became so heavy-hearted that he could never smile, and so was trained as a
warrior.
One day, he declares war. Althea is forced out of hiding and down to ground but, in
defiance of her father, she escapes, only to encounter the solemn prince on
contested land. Beside a lake the warring heirs begin a passionate and illicit affair.
But for Althea to find real love, she must first confront the world’s darkness and face
her own deepest fears.
Tori Amos is a multi Grammy-nominated singer/composer/pianist whose catalogue of
13 albums have sold more than 12 million copies. They include her debut 1992
album Little Earthquakes; 1994’s Under The Pink (with the worldwide hit ‘Cornflake
Girl’); and the 1996 album Boys For Pele which featured the UK chart-topping
‘Professional Widow’. Amos' latest two recordings have been on the classical label
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Deutsche Grammophon, for whom her label debut Night of Hunters won an Echo
Music Award in 2012, and with which she also made history by becoming the first
woman simultaneously to have a top 10 Album on the US Billboard Charts in the
Classical, Alternative and Rock Categories.
Samuel Adamson’s plays and adaptations include Southwark Fair; Mrs Affleck, a
new play from Ibsen’s Little Eyolf; and Pillars of the Community, also from Ibsen, for
the National Theatre; Breakfast at Tiffany’s, from the novel by Truman Capote
(Theatre Royal Haymarket); Some Kind of Bliss (Trafalgar Studios); All About
My Mother (from Almodóvar’s film, Old Vic); Drink, Dance, Laugh and Lie (Bush
Theatre); Grace Note (Old Vic); and Clocks and Whistles (Bush Theatre).
Marianne Elliott is an Associate Director of the National Theatre, where she has codirected War Horse (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play), and directed The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (also now in the West End; 7 Olivier
Awards including Best Director), Port, Season’s Greetings, All’s Well That Ends Well,
Harper Regan, Saint Joan (Olivier Award for Best Revival, South Bank Show Award
for Theatre) and Pillars of the Community (Evening Standard Award for Best
Director).
Press night: Wednesday 9 October
Contact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk
EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES
Olivier Theatre
Previews from 16 November, press night 4 December, continuing in repertoire until
March. Suitable for everyone aged 7 and over.
EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES by Erich Kästner, adapted by Carl Miller, opens in the
Olivier Theatre on 4 December. The production will be directed by Bijan Sheibani and
designed by Bunny Christie, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, movement direction
by Aline David, sound design by Ian Dickinson, music by Paul Englishby and video
by Leo Warner; the associate sound designer is Peter Rice. The cast includes
Naomi Frederick and Sue Wallace; the central characters of Emil and the Detectives
will be played by 9-13 year olds, with a 50-strong ensemble of children recruited from
local London boroughs, schools and youth theatres.
Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off
on a journey that will change his life. When his money is stolen on the train by a
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mysterious stranger, Emil thinks he’s lost everything. But as he starts tracking down
the thief, he soon discovers that he’s not alone in the big city after all.
For this classic tale of a boy learning to rely on himself – and on his new friends – the
Olivier stage transforms into 1920s Berlin: a place full of surprises and danger, where
everything moves at the speed of your imagination.
During the run of Emil and the Detectives, we’ll be offering family friendly backstage
tours, books and toys in the Bookshop and children’s menus in the cafés and
restaurants.
Carl Miller was the Artistic Director of the Young People's programme at the Royal
Court Theatre from 1997 to 1999, and since 2002, has been the Literary Manager of
the Unicorn Theatre. His plays and adaptations include White Suit, Ostrich Boys, The
Three Musketeers and The London Eye Mystery.
Naomi Fredrick’s recent theatre credits include The Winslow Boy (Old Vic), The Chair
Plays (Lyric, Hammersmith), As You Like It (Shakespeare’s Globe) and Brief
Encounter (Cinema Haymarket). She has appeared at the National as Isabella in
Measure for Measure, and in Mrs Affleck, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and The Mandate.
Bijan Sheibani is an Associate Director at the NT, where his credits include The
Kitchen, Our Class and the US touring production of War Horse.
Press night: Wednesday 4 December
Contact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233; mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk
THE SHED
The Shed is an intimate venue in front of the NT until February 2014, providing a
third stage during the Cottesloe's closure for the NT Future redevelopment.
LIMITED EDITIONS
9 – 21 September
Some of Britain’s most exciting new theatre-makers visit the Shed for a series of
limited runs.
The Bullet and the Bass Trombone
9 – 11 September
A Sleepdogs production, written and performed by Timothy X Atack, directed by
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Tanuja Amarasuriya. Sleepdogs’ previous theatre work includes Buzzard, Astronaut
(Bristol Old Vic) and Tales from the Old World (Live Theatre, Newcastle).
There’s a concert orchestra, trapped in a city during a military coup. As violence
erupts, with pitched battles breaking out around them, the orchestra becomes
separated – lost – hoping and trying to find their way back to each other.
The composer is left to tell the story.
Squally Showers
12 – 14 September
Little Bulb explore the political whirlwind that was the 1980s. It's the decade of all or
nothing and a magical storm is gathering pace... Told with exciting choreography,
music and bizarre character, Squally Showers is a fantastical balletic farce of politics,
power, loneliness and love.
Little Bulb’s previous work includes Orpheus at Battersea Arts Centre, Operation
Greenfield and Crocosmia (winner of the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe First and Total
Theatre Award).
Ours Was the Fen Country
15 – 17 September
A Still House production, devised and performed by Dan Canham, Laura
Dannequin, Ian Morgan and Neil Paris. Dan Canham has previously performed as a
member of DV8 Physical Theatre, Kneehigh Theatre and Punchdrunk. Productions
by his company Still House include 30 Cecil Street.
For the past two years Dan Canham has been capturing conversations with people of
the fens in East Anglia. Eel-catchers, farmers, parish councillors, museum keepers,
molly dancers and conservationists have all been interviewed. This ethereal piece of
dance-theatre fuses movement and sound with the words and memories of the native
collaborators to get to the heart of this beautiful, bleak and mysterious expanse of flat
land.
Riot
18 – 20 September
Bristol-based company The Wardrobe Ensemble present an epic tale of violence,
greed and cheap sofas. The Wardrobe Ensemble’s other work includes Sense and
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10 February 2005. At the stroke of midnight the British public punch, kick, strangle
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and eventually stab their way to £45 sofas and £35 bed frames at the opening of their
favourite Swedish furniture store. RIOT is a true story set in a lamp-lit flat-pack
universe bursting with violence, chaos and more characters than you can throw a
meatball at.
Up Down Boy
21 September
A Myrtle Theatre Company Production in association with Salisbury Playhouse.
Myrtle Theatre Company’s other productions include Hot Air which will play at
Bristol’s Tobacco Factory Theatre in July and August.
Matty is off to college in an hour – and he’s left it to Mum to pack his case. She won’t
miss the slamming doors, the queue for the bathroom and the phone bills. But Matty
is no ordinary teenager and will his mother cope without him? This honest and
uplifting play was inspired by the extraordinary life story of a boy with Down’s
syndrome and his mother’s humorous perspective on bringing him up.
THE WORLD OF EXTREME HAPPINESS
25 September – 26 October; press night 30 September
THE WORLD OF EXTREME HAPPINESS by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig has its UK
premiere, directed by Michael Longhurst and designed by Chloe Lamford, opening
on 30 September.
Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s new play is a wildly energetic and imaginative journey
through contemporary China. Sunny leaves her family and her home in the Chinese
countryside to head to the city and the promise of a job in a factory and a new life.
But letting go of the past and embracing a bright new future proves harder than she
could have imagined.
Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s work includes 410 [Gone] and Lidless which received the
Yale Drama Series Award, a 2010 Edinburgh Fringe First Award and was performed
at Trafalgar Studios 2 in 2011.
Michael Longhurst’s recent work includes The History Boys (Sheffield Crucible) and
Nick Payne’s Constellations which transferred from the Royal Court to the West End;
and Adam Brace’s Stovepipe, a promenade production for HighTide Festival, later
produced in London in collaboration with the NT.
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nut
30 October – 5 December; press night 5 November
nut, a new play created and directed by debbie tucker green, opens in the Shed on 5
November. The production is choreographed by Polly Bennett and designed by Lisa
Marie Hall, with lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Emma Laxton. The cast
includes Gershwyn Eustache Jr, Nadine Marshall, Anthony Welsh and Sharlene
Whyte.
Bein you means not bein me – see, a deficit already – before you even started we
running at a loss.
Elayne thinks she’s alright. Nobody else does.
debbie tucker green’s work for theatre includes truth and reconciliation, random and
stoning mary for the Royal Court Theatre, generations (Young Vic), trade (RSC) and
born bad (Hampstead Theatre) for which she won an Olivier Award for Most
Promising Newcomer. Her film and television work includes random for which she
won a 2012 BAFTA for Best Single Drama and second coming for Film Four.
For all Shed productions, contact Susie Newbery on 020 7452 3061;
snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk
NATIONAL THEATRE 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
The National Theatre opened its doors in 1963 at the Old Vic under Laurence Olivier.
Eight hundred productions later, we are marking our half-century with a short season
celebrating the remarkable people and plays that made the NT one of the most
cherished and creative of great British institutions.
On screen
National Theatre: 50 years on stage
A once-in-a-lifetime performance, broadcast on BBC Two (transmission date tbc) and
to cinemas internationally. From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead to The
History Boys, from The Mysteries to Angels in America, from Guys and Dolls to
London Road, this will be a thrilling evening of live performance and rare glimpses
from the archive, featuring many of the most celebrated actors who have performed
on our stages over the past five decades and directed by Nicholas Hytner.
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Arena: The National Theatre
Broadcast on BBC TV in the autumn, this new documentary will tell the story of the
National from Laurence Olivier’s Old Vic company to the South Bank, and most
recently to stages and screens around the world. It includes footage of historic
performances, and goes behind the scenes of recent productions such as War
Horse, Frankenstein and Othello. Contributors include Joan Plowright, Peter Hall,
Adrian Lester, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Lucy Prebble, Alan Bennett and many
more.
National Theatre Live encore screenings
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, National Theatre Live will present encore
screenings of some of the National’s most acclaimed recent productions at venues
throughout the UK: Shakespeare’s Hamlet on 22 October; Frankenstein by Nick
Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, from 31 October; and The Habit of Art by
Alan Bennett on 7 November (see National Theatre Live page 11).
Online
Your National Theatre
The NT archive tells the story of the company, the productions, and the opening of
the building, but this history is incomplete without the experiences of our audiences.
We are asking for people’s memories of the NT. When did they first come here?
What was their favourite production? They can tell us online or pick up a postcard at
the NT, and help to tell the story of the National Theatre.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/yourNT
Timeline app
An exclusive window into the archive, an interactive timeline of the National Theatre’s
first 50 years will be available to download for iPad. Focusing on 50 seminal
productions, it will include beautiful photography, exclusive video interviews,
costume and set designs, audio features and original programme articles.
Online exhibitions
Curated by theatre specialists using the riches of the NT Archive, these exhibits will
be made available online through the Google Cultural Institute. The first exhibition,
available later this summer, will explore Classical theatre at the NT, with a further five
exhibits planned over the next two years. google.com/culturalinstitute
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At the National
Platforms
The anniversary Platforms programme tells three very distinct stories. Scene
Changes looks at the sweeping changes that have taken place across the theatre
sector over the last 50 years, both onstage and off. National Histories tells very
personal stories about the National by some of the leading artists who have been
part of the company. Future Questions looks ahead at the challenges facing theatre
over the next 50 years. See page 14 for the full schedule of 50th Anniversary
Platforms.
Exhibitions
Chris Arthur: Scenes from National life Lyttelton Exhibition Area, from 9 September
Celebrating the working life of the National’s very first company, this exhibition
includes brilliant unseen portraits, including Anthony Hopkins, Maggie Smith and
Laurence Olivier. Chris Arthur joined the lighting team of the National while making
his first photographic experiments. Unique access allowed him to document the NT’s
shows and company life, the backstage world of the Old Vic and the street life of
Waterloo.
National Theatre Lampoon Olivier Exhibition Area, from 19 September
Uncover the story of the National from the early 1900s to today through rarely-seen
cartoons and caricatures, satirical swipes from diarists, and records from the
National’s own archive.
The National Trail 1 October – 10 November
Part-treasure hunt, part-history tour, the National Trail takes the audience on an
exciting interactive journey around the NT. Follow the trail and discover hidden
glimpses into the rich history of the company. Solve all the clues and gain entry to the
secret vault where many other treasures await you. The National Trail has been
made by metro-boulot-dodo, who create innovative, engaging and unexpected
experiences which respond to their surroundings.
50th Anniversary gifts
A National Theatre pop-up shop will appear on the South Bank this autumn for
unique items created for the anniversary. Iconic designers Michael Craig-Martin,
Jamie Reid, Paula Scher, David Carson and Graphic Thought Facility have created
signed, limited edition prints. A witty range of gifts centres on Shakespeare’s
Tragedies, while artist Adam Dant stylishly celebrates the theatre audience. Plus
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gifts, cards and books featuring the best of young British design talent. Daniel
Rosenthal’s book The National Theatre Story is also scheduled for publication this
autumn.
Your National Theatre, Chris Arthur: Scenes from National Life, National Theatre
Lampoon, Online exhibitions and the Timeline app are supported by the National
Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Contact: Lucinda Morrison on 020 7452 3232; lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk
BEYOND THE SOUTH BANK
PEOPLE on tour
Brigit Forsyth (as Iris), Siân Phillips (Dorothy) and Michael Thomas (Lumsden) join
original cast member Selina Cadell (June) in Alan Bennett’s PEOPLE on tour this
autumn. Nicholas Hytner’s production visits: Birmingham Rep Theatre (3 – 21 Sept),
Curve, Leicester (24 – 28 Sept), Theatre Royal, Norwich (1 – 5 Oct), The Lowry,
Salford (15 – 19 Oct), Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (22 – 26 Octr), Milton Keynes
Theatre (29 Oct – 2 Nov), Grand Theatre, Leeds (5 – 9 Nov) and Theatre Royal,
Plymouth (12 – 16 Nov).
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
WAR HORSE on tour
The National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse begins a ten month,
nine-venue tour of the UK and Dublin this autumn, visiting: Theatre Royal, Plymouth
(27 Sep – 12 Oct), Birmingham Hippodrome (16 Oct – 10 Nov), The Lowry, Salford
(20 Nov 2013 – 18 Jan 2014), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (22 Jan – 15 Feb),
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (19 Feb – 15 Mar), The Bord Géis Energy
Theatre, Dublin (26 Mar – 26 Apr), Sunderland Empire Theatre (30 Apr – 17 May),
Bradford Alhambra (21 May – 14 Jun) and Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (18
Jun – 19 Jul). The West End production continues at the New London Theatre,
currently booking until February 2014.
Contact: Nada Zakula on 020 7452 3046 or nzakula@nationaltheatre.org.uk
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Several forthcoming National Theatre Live broadcasts to cinemas will be
partnerships with other British theatre productions: Peter Morgan’s new play THE
AUDIENCE, with Helen Mirren as The Queen, broadcast live from the West End’s
Gielgud Theatre on 13 June; MACBETH, with Kenneth Branagh and Alex Kingston,
broadcast live from Manchester International Festival on 20 July; and the Donmar
Warehouse production of CORIOLANUS, with Tom Hiddleston in the title role, on 30
January 2014. From the National itself, Nicholas Hytner’s production of OTHELLO,
with Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear, will be broadcast live from the Olivier Theatre
on 26 September. International dates for these screenings vary.
To coincide with the NT at 50 celebrations, there will be encore screenings in the UK
of three previous NT productions: HAMLET, with Rory Kinnear, on 22 October;
Danny Boyle’s production of FRANKENSTEIN with Benedict Cumberbatch and
Jonny Lee Miller, from 31 October. Alan Bennett’s THE HABIT OF ART, with Alex
Jennings and the late Richard Griffiths, on 7 November. There will also be a chance
for international audiences to see a screening of National Theatre: 50 years on
stage, dates to be confirmed.
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National Theatre Live is supported by Aviva. For venue information and booking
details, please visit www.ntlive.com
Contact: Martin Shippen on mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk or Mary Parker on
mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk
PRODUCTION AND CASTING UPDATES
Richard Eyre’s production of LIOLÀ by Luigi Pirandello, in a new version by Tanya
Ronder, opens in the Lyttelton Theatre on 7 August. A Travelex £12 Tickets
production, the cast is: Anne Bird, Charlotte Bradley, Anthony Delaney, Lisa Dwyer
Hogg, Jenny Fennessy, James Hayes, Rory Keenan, Carla Langley, Rosaleen
Linehan, Niamh McGowan, Gertrude Montgomery, Roxanna Nic Liam, Aisling
O’Sullivan, Jessica Regan, David Summer and Eileen Walsh.
Tobias Menzies and Susannah Wise form the cast for THE HUSH, a unique aural
adventure created especially for The Shed by Matthew Herbert and Ben Power, with
original music and sound scores by Matthew Herbert, running from 17 July – 3
August with a press night on 22 July.
The CONNECTIONS festival runs in the Olivier Theatre and The Shed from 3 – 8
July. New plays by Howard Brenton, Jim Cartwright, Lucinda Coxon, Ryan Craig,
Stacey Gregg, Jonathan Harvey, Lenny Henry, Jemma Kennedy, Morna Pearson
and Anya Reiss have been performed across the UK by 222 school and young
theatre companies in 23 regional theatres. Ten companies have been selected to
bring their productions to the NT festival: Cockburn School, Leeds; LOST Youth
Theatre Company, London; Peterborough's UROCK Youth Theatre; Dorchester
Youth Theatre; Royal and Derngate Youth Theatre, Northampton; Paisley's PACE
Youth Theatre; Lincoln Young Company; Woolwich Polytechnic School; Winstanley
College, Wigan; and Jigsaw Arts from Hertfordshire.
Ella Thompson aged 14 from Dorothy Stringer High School, Brighton is the winner of
this year’s NEW VIEWS, the National Theatre’s playwriting programme for young
people, encouraging them to use theatre as a means of examining contemporary
society. Her play Carpe Diem will be staged in The Shed with a professional cast on
11 – 12 July at 6pm and in the Houses of Parliament on 15 July.
Nine other shortlisted plays will have professional readings in the NT Foyers on 8 – 12 and
16 – 19 July at 12.45pm.
PLATFORMS
An eclectic programme of talks, discussions and interviews, offering the chance to
learn more about the National’s work and the arts in general.
6pm (45 mins), £4/£3 unless stated; BS = Platform followed by booksigning
Connections Writers’ Forum
Mon 8 July, Lyttelton
Acclaimed playwrights Howard Brenton, Jim Cartwright, Lucinda Coxon, Ryan Craig,
Stacey Gregg, Jonathan Harvey, Lenny Henry, Jemma Kennedy, Morna Pearson
and Anya Reiss discuss their new plays for young actors with the NT’s Literary
Manager, Sebastian Born.
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Re: Othello
Tue 23 July, 5.45pm, Olivier BS
Laurie Maguire examines the textual history of the play, its women’s roles, and how
critics and directors have responded to its explorations of racial prejudice and sexual
jealousy.
Richard Eyre and Tanya Ronder on Liolà Wed 4 September, Lyttelton
The director and playwright discuss this new version of Pirandello’s play.
Michael Frayn
Mon 9 September, Lyttelton BS
The playwright, whose work includes Noises Off and Copenhagen, talks to John
Miller on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Complicite at 30 with Simon McBurney and Judith Dimant
Tue 10 September, 5.45pm Olivier
The artistic director and producer look back on 30 years of the company’s groundbreaking work, including The Master and Margarita and A Disappearing Number.
Joe Hill-Gibbins on Edward II
Mon 16 September, Olivier
The director talks about his production of Marlowe’s play.
Private Eye – A Cartoon History with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
Mon 23 September, 5.45pm, Olivier BS
Editor Ian Hislop and cartoonist and writer Nick Newman discuss a new collection of
some of the funniest and most influential examples of the 30,000 Private Eye
cartoons published in the last 50 years – from royalty and politics to yobs and giant
hedgehogs.
Samuel Adamson and Tori Amos on The Light Princess
Fri 18 October, Lyttelton
Tori Amos is joined by playwright Samuel Adamson to reflect on this new musical.
Carl Miller and Bijan Sheibani on Emil and the Detectives
Fri 6 December, 5.30pm, Olivier
The writer and director talk about this new version of Erich Kästner’s story.
In Context: Liolà Fri 11 October, 2 – 5pm, John Lyon Education Studio, £15/£10
An in-depth introduction to Pirandello and the world of the play.
In Conversation with...
Anne-Marie Duff
Sharon D Clarke and Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal
3pm (1hr), £5/£4
Thu 4 July, Lyttelton
Fri 26 July, Olivier
Thu 1 August, Olivier
Walk in the Light
A week of events, led by actor Giles Terera, honouring the rich contribution that black
artists have made to British theatre over the past 50 years. In the afternoon ‘In
Conversation’ events, actors recall their favourite memories that form part of this
extraordinary story. In the evening ‘In Discussion’ events, theatre-makers talk about
their experiences of the period. On Sunday, the series culminates in a celebration in
words and music.
In the Wings... 1960 – 1980
Mon 15 July, Olivier, £4/£3
3pm Mona Hammond and Jeffery Kissoon, chaired by Giles Terera
5.45pm Yvonne Brewster, Oscar James and Mustapha Matura, chaired by Michael
Billington
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Onto the Stage... 1980 – 2000
Thu 18 July, Olivier, £4/£3
3pm David Harewood and Gary Wilmot
6pm Bonnie Greer, Hugh Quarshie and Paulette Randall
Into the Spotlight... 2000 – 2013
Fri 19 July, Olivier, £4/£3
3pm Nikki Amuka-Bird and Clive Rowe, chaired by Adjoa Andoh
6pm Nicholas Hytner, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Tanya Moodie, chaired by Genista
McIntosh
Centre Stage... a Celebration
Sun 21 July, 1pm (90 mins), Lyttelton,
£10/£8
Guests include Sharon D Clarke, Lenny Henry, Cush Jumbo, Cyril Nri and Clive
Rowe.
Check the website for updates: nationaltheatre.org.uk/walkinthelight
50th Anniversary Platforms
Scene Changes The Shed. Tickets £4/£3 concessions 1.05 pm (50 mins)
A series of lunchtime discussions looking at some of the developments and changes
in theatre, both off and on stage, over the past 50 years.
1 October
Theatre Architecture: new builds and modern refurbs.
2 October
Theatre Sound: from noises off to soundscapes.
4 October
Theatre Administration: marketing, ticketing, fundraising & access.
7 October
Theatre Design: from stage flats to video walls.
8 October
Theatre Lighting: illuminating technological developments.
11 October
Theatre and Gender: steps towards greater parity.
14 October
Theatre Venues: site specific, found spaces & outdoors.
15 October
Theatre and Education: from TIE to lifelong learning.
18 October
Theatre Criticism: from broadsheet to blog.
21 October
Theatre Music: from background music to composition.
National Histories The Shed, Lyttelton & Olivier Theatres. Tickets £4/£3
concessions 6pm (45 mins) on October 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25
Ten simple questions, 50 years’ worth of possible answers. We ask key NT figures –
actors, writers, directors – the who, what, when, where and why of their recollections
of the National. Each event features two guests: check the website to see who’s
taking part nearer the time.
Future Questions Lyttelton Theatre. Tickets £4/£3 concessions (1hr)
Three panel discussions asking questions about the future of theatre.
Writing 30 October 5.45pm
Will theatre continue to inspire writers to produce work for the stage in an
increasingly digital age? Will the plays now on our stages be performed in
50 years time? What tone will be set by the next generation of writers?
Funding 4 November 5.45pm
Will public funding for the theatre become a thing of the past? Will an increased
reliance on philanthropy have an effect on the work?
Regional Theatre 5 November 5.45pm
What is the future for regional theatre in the UK? How will regional theatres have to
work to ensure their survival?
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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FREE EXHIBITIONS
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/exhibitions
The River: Paintings by Dale Inglis
Olivier Exhibition Space, 27 May – 14 July, Free
Inglis’ paintings reflect a long acquaintance with, and intensive exploration of, the
Thames in the heart of the city.
The Press Photographer’s Year
Lyttelton Exhibition Space, 6 July – 31 August
With a thought-provoking collection of images from 2011 and 2012, The Press
Photographer’s Year returns to the NT for a seventh year. It is held in association
with The British Press Photographers’ Association and supported by Diageo.
See also Chris Arthur: Scenes from National life and National Theatre Lampoon
under National Theatre 50th Anniversary, page 10.
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
LEARNING
Discover theatre-making at the National with inspiring projects, events and resources
for all ages. nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning
For Primary Schools
national theatre.org/primary
Creative projects exploring Emil and the Detectives.
For Secondary Schools and Colleges
nationaltheatre.org.uk/secondary
ANTIGONE film and resources
The National Theatre has teamed up with Channel 4 Learning’s flagship service,
Clipbank, the cross-curricular digital resource for secondary schools, to bring
students and teachers a 90-minute recording of the National Theatre’s 2012
production of Sophocles’ Antigone. Adapted by Don Taylor and directed by Polly
Findlay, it stars Jodie Whittaker and Christopher Eccleston.
Antigone is available until 31 July and can be viewed by subscribing schools. For
more information on a subscription, and to view a taster clip, visit
www.clipbank.channel4learning.com/clipbank.
NT Revealed for students
10 September: Othello Revealed
9 October: Five Practitioners
16 October: Creative Choices
22 October: Edward II Revealed
14 November: Voice
Student Workshops and preshow Q&A available for every production. KS3+.
£150/£200. Learning programmes and projects on Othello, The Light Princess, Emil
and the Detectives and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
For Teachers
nationaltheatre.org.uk/ teachers
CPD Courses now booking:
15
Active Shakespeare
Lighting & Sound
Live Video in Performance
Five Practitioners
Devising with Punchdrunk
For Adults
Theatreworks
Theatreworks courses provide experiential workshops that will develop
communication and presentation skills.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/ theatreworks
Income from Theatreworks supports NT Learning projects
On Tour
War Horse
Alongside the touring production of War Horse there will be an extensive creative
learning and public engagement programme for schools and communities in
collaboration with UK tour venues; see page 11 for dates and venues.
Digital Classroom
Online Videos A library of short films about productions, as well as backstage films
about the varied and specialist skills that go into making a piece of theatre.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/video
YouTube A huge range of films on directing, stage fighting, voice work and more
which can be embedded into VLEs. youtube/ntdiscovertheatre
iTunes U for students Hundreds of free videos, podcasts, interviews, readings and
background packs. nationaltheatre.org.uk/itunesu
Interactive whiteboard resources Designed by teachers for teachers.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/iwr
Contact: Lucinda Morrison on 020 7452 3232; lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk
ENDS
13 June 2013
Public Information:
Public booking for The Light Princess, Edward II and further performances of Othello,
Emil and the Detectives, The Amen Corner and Liolá opens on 1 July; public booking
for new productions in The Shed opens on 18 July.
Book tickets online at nationaltheatre.org.uk
Box Office: 020 7452 3000, open 9.30am – 8pm Information: 020 7452 3400
16
THE NATIONAL’S SPONSORS
The National Theatre would appreciate an acknowledgement in the body of the text
and/or as a separate footnote following editorial copy.
Travelex £12 Tickets sponsored by
The National Theatre’s airline partner is American Airlines
The National Theatre is working in partnership with American Express
Innovation at the National Theatre is sponsored by Accenture
National Theatre Live is sponsored by Aviva
National Theatre Learning is supported by Goldman Sachs
The National Theatre’s partner for contemporary clothing is Hugo Boss
The National Theatre is a J.P.Morgan Signature Series partner
The Shed Partner is Neptune Investment Management
Philips and the National Theatre are working in partnership to reduce energy
consumption.
The official hotel partner of the National Theatre is Radisson Blu
The National Theatre’s photographic images partner is Corbis
Media partner of Travelex £12 Tickets: The Independent
The National Theatre wishes to acknowledge its partner National Angels Limited
The National Theatre is supported using public funding by
Arts Council England.
17
THE NATIONAL’S REPERTOIRE as of 13 June 2013
NATIONAL THEATRE PRESS OFFICE
Tel: 020 7452 3235 Fax: 020 7452 3230 Email press@nationaltheatre.org.uk
PLAY
CHILDREN OF THE
SUN
OTHELLO
STRANGE
INTERLUDE
MISSION DRIFT
THE AMEN CORNER
CONNECTIONS
THE
GRANDFATHERS
THE HUSH
ROMEO AND JULIET
LIOLÀ
HOME
PEOPLE
EDWARD II
LIMITED EDITIONS
THE WORLD OF
EXTREME
HAPPINESS
THE LIGHT
PRINCESS
NATIONAL THEATRE
50TH ANNIVERSARY
nut
EMIL AND THE
DETECTIVES
THE CURIOUS
INCIDENT OF THE
DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME
ONE MAN, TWO
GUVNORS
WAR HORSE
THE DROWNED
MAN: A
HOLLYWOOD FABLE
PLATFORMS &
EXHIBITIONS
NT FUTURE
THEATRE
Lyttelton Theatre
PRESS NIGHT
16 April
CONTACT
Mary Parker
Olivier Theatre
Lyttelton
23 April
4 June
Mary Parker
Mary Parker
The Shed
Olivier
The Shed/Olivier
The Shed
7 June
11 June
3 – 8 July
9 – 13 July
Susie Newbery
Martin Shippen
Laura Horton
Laura Horton
The Shed
The Shed & tour
Lyttelton
The Shed
On tour
Olivier
The Shed
The Shed
22 July
24 July – 18 August
7 August
9 August
From 3 Sept
4 September
From 11 Sept
30 September
Susie Newbery
Philippa Crossman
Mary Parker
Susie Newbery
Laura Horton
Martin Shippen
Susie Newbery
Susie Newbery
Lyttelton
9 October
Mary Parker
Lucinda Morrison
The Shed
Olivier
5 November
4 December
Susie Newbery
Martin Shippen
Apollo Theatre
Nada Zakula
Theatre Royal
Haymarket
New London Theatre
Janine Shalom,
Premier
Janine Shalom,
Premier
Nada Zakula
Laura Myers, The
Corner Shop
UK tour
Temple Studios,
London W2
(Punchdrunk)
From Sept 2013
Laura Horton
Lucinda Morrison
Lucinda Morrison, Head of Press: lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3232
Mary Parker, Senior Press Officer: mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3234
Martin Shippen, Press Manager: mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3233
Susie Newbery, Press Officer: snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3061
Laura Horton, Events Press Officer: lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3231
Philippa Crossman, Press Assistant: pcrossman@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3236
Nada Zakula, Head of Press War Horse/Curious Incident: nzakula@nationaltheatre.org.uk
020 7452 3046
Janine Shalom, Premier: 020 7292 8330 janine.shalom@premiercomms.com;
esther.beaumont@premiercomms.com; kerry.lynch@premiercomms.com
Laura Myers, The Corner Shop: laura@thecornershoppr.com 020 7831 7657
18