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Nicholas Hytner

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BIO

Nicholas Hytner has been Director of the National Theatre since 2003, and heads a team that produces around 20 new shows each year.



Since 1989 he has directed 28 productions at the National, including The Madness of George III, Henry V, His Dark Materials, The History Boys, Stuff Happens, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Much Ado About Nothing, England People Very Nice, Phedre, The Habit of Art, London Assurance, Hamlet and Collaborators.

On Broadway he has directed The History Boys, Sweet Smell of Success and Miss Saigon; and at Lincoln Center Theater Carousel and Twelfth Night.

He has directed opera at the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera (Don Carlo, 2010) and the Paris Opera.

Films: The Madness of King George, The Crucible, The Object of My Affection, The History Boys.

He has won two Tony awards for directing Carousel and The History Boys, and one as producer of War Horse.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
DIRECTOR
 
[West End, 2023]
DIRECTOR
 
[West End, 2022]
ADAPTION AND DIRECTION
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Co-Director
 
[West End, 2022]
Director
 
[West End, 2022]
Director
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[West End, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Associate Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1996]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[West End, 1989]
Director

Awards and Nominations

Evening Standard Awards - 2013 - Best Director

Nicholas HytnerOthello


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2012 - Best Director

Nicholas Hytner TImon of Athens


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2012 - Lebedev Special Award

Nicholas Hytner


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Nicholas Hytner, One Man, Two Guvnors

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Direction of a Play

Nicholas Hytner, One Man, Two Guvnors


winner
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Play

Nicholas Hytner, War Horse


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Nicholas Hytner, The History Boys


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Nicholas Hytner, The History Boys


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Direction of a Play

Nicholas Hytner, The History Boys


winner
Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best Director

Nicholas HytnerHistory Boys

Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best Director

Nicholas HytnerOrpheus Descending

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Nicholas Hytner, Carousel


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Musical

Nicholas Hytner, Carousel


winner
Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Nicholas Hytner, Carousel

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Director

Nicholas Hytner , Miss Saigon

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Musical

Nicholas Hytner, Miss Saigon

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Director of the Year

Nicholas HytnerGhetto


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1989 - Best Director

Nicholas HytnerGhetto

Videos

News


GIANT Starring John Lithgow Will Transfer to the West End

The Royal Court Theatre's production of Mark Rosenblatt's GIANT will have a 14 week limited run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End. Learn more about the show here!
Cast Set to Join Jonathan Bailey in RICHARD II at the Bridge Theatre

London Theatre Company has announced the full cast for the brand-new production of Richard II opening in February starring Jonathan Bailey. Learn more about the cast here!
John Lithgow Hopes Roald Dahl Play GIANT Will Have a Run in America

In a new interview John Lithgow has revealed that he hopes Giant, the play about Roald Dahl in which Lithgow stars in the West End, will cross the pond and have a run in America.
Review Roundup: GIANT at The Royal Court Theatre

See what the critics are saying about Giant at the Royal Court Theatre. Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play Giant, is directed by Nicholas Hytner. Learn more about the production and read the reviews.
Review: GIANT, Royal Court

John Lithgow impresses as Roald Dahl in an unconvincing drama that is unlikely to change many minds
Review: GUYS AND DOLLS, Bridge Theatre

Gina Beck is a tremendous new Sarah Brown in London's must-see musical revival
Photos: Gina Beck and Michael Simkins Join GUYS & DOLLS at the Bridge Theatre

Nicholas Hytner’s multi-award winning immersive production, Guys & Dolls, has released a first look at the new cast members. Check out the photos here!
Marisha Wallace Will Join Alex Newell Live at Cadogan Hall

Broadway, West End and TV star Marisha Wallace will join Alex Newell live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 1 September 2024 at 2:30pm and 6.30pm.
Hightide Reveals Alan Bookbinder As New Chair Of The Board

HighTide has announced the appointment of Alan Bookbinder as Chair of the Board. Bookbinder will take over from Tim Clark who steps down as Chair this Autumn.
Photos: Gina Beck and Michael Simkins in Rehearsal For GUYS & DOLLS

The immersive production, Guys & Dolls has released a first look at the new cast in rehearsals. They will start performances from 02 September. Check out the photos here!
Review: FUERZA BRUTA: AVEN, The Roundhouse

Feeling like the wildest circus party in town, Fuerza Bruta (Spanish for “brute force”) return to the Roundhouse with their new show Aven.
Additional Cast Set For John Lithgow-Led GIANT at the Royal Court

The Royal Court Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for the world premiere of Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play Giant, directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Presale Tickets Available For Jonathan Bailey in RICHARD II

Get your tickets to see Jonathan Bailey in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre during our exclusive presale!
Jonathan Bailey Will Lead RICHARD II at the Bridge Theatre

A brand-new production of Richard II will open 10 February 2025 and run until 10 May 2025 at the Bridge Theatre. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Jonathan Bailey will star in the title role.
Janie Taylor Joins Colburn School Faculty As Artistic Director Of The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute For The 2024-25 School Year

Janie Taylor will join Colburn School as Artistic Director of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute for the 2024-25 school year, bringing her extensive experience and vision to the renowned dance program.
Photos: Marsisha Wallace Returns to GUYS AND DOLLS for Special Performance

Check out photos of @marishawallace back on stage as Adelaide in the West End production of Guys and Dolls for one-night only on June 3.
GUYS & DOLLS Will Extend a Final Time at The Bridge Theatre

Catch the final extension of GUYS & DOLLS at the Bridge until January 4, 2025. Don't miss your chance to see this iconic Broadway show's extended run.Nicholas Hytner's critically acclaimed immersive production of Guys & Dolls announces its final extension, with tickets on sale until 04 January 2024.
Oliver Chris Joins Tamsin Greig In THE DEEP BLUE SEA at Theatre Royal Bath, Further Cast Announced

Oliver Chris will join the previously announced Olivier Award winner Tamsin Greig to play Freddy opposite her portrayal of Hester Collyer in Theatre Royal Bath's production of The Deep Blue Sea, Terence Rattigan's 1950's study of obsession and the destructive power of love. 
Review: GUYS & DOLLS, Bridge Theatre

The challenge of updating theatrical classics has led to some truly stunning theatre, such as the sell-out Cabaret and last year’s darkly stark OKLAHOMA! Frank Loesser’s 1950 musical comedy about sin and romantic salvation during the height of Prohibition was ripe for an update and Nicholas Hytner’s immersive production of Guys & Dolls has been thrilling critics and audiences alike since it opened last year.
Emma D'Arcy, Ben Whishaw, John Lithgow, and More Set For The Royal Court's 2024 Season

The Royal Court Theatre has announced the inaugural season from new Artistic Director David Byrne: nine new plays, all from writers making their Royal Court debuts. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Nicholas Hytner been nominated for?

Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Othello, Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for TImon of Athens, Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards), Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for One Man, Two Guvnors , Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for One Man, Two Guvnors, Best Play (Tony Awards) for War Horse, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The History Boys, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The History Boys, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The History Boys, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for History Boys, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Orpheus Descending, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Carousel, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Carousel, Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Carousel, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Miss Saigon, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Miss Saigon, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Ghetto and Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Ghetto.

What awards has Nicholas Hytner won?

Nicholas Hytner has won several prestigious awards, including: Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Timon of Athens; Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards); Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for One Man, Two Guvnors; Best Play (Tony Awards) for War Horse; Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The History Boys; Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The History Boys; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The History Boys; Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The History Boys; Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Carousel; Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Carousel; and Best Director (Evening Standard Awards) for Ghetto.

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