Hytner has capitalised on the success of his Julius Caesar the year before by placing his audience at the centre of the action. By creating a magical mosh pit in the heart of the Bridge, his production, along with Bunny Christie's beautiful design, brings out some of the very best of Shakespeare's hugely popular comedy.
The hype around the National Theatre's production of Twelfth Night when it premiered in 2017 was, understandably, centred around Tamsin Greig. Not necessarily because of her celebrity status (although that of course will have been a factor), but primarily because she would be undertaking a gender-swapped role - from Malvolio to Malvolia.
James Corden (Francis Henshall), Oliver Chris (Stanley Stubbers), Jemima Rooper (Rachel Crabbe), Nick Hytner (director) and Richard Bean (writer) reunited on a Zoom call to chat about One Man, Two Guvnors for National Theatre at Home!
Wouldn't it be ironic that the time that the whole of the UK (and indeed the world) really fell in love with theatre was when no-one could actually go there? Millions of people who already love the performing arts are desperately missing their fixes. But now this virus is the great equaliser; everyone is at home, yet still want and need to be entertained.
As rehearsals begin, the National Theatre announce the full casting for Jack Absolute Flies Again, which will play in repertoire in the Olivier from 15 April until 25 July.
The National Theatre today announces nine productions that will play on the South Bank in 2020-2021 alongside previously announced shows. These run alongside our international touring productions, three plays that will tour to multiple venues across the UK and a West End transfer. The NT also announces today that it will increase the quantity of low-price tickets on the South Bank by 25%, with 250,000 available across the year at £20 or less.
Shakespeare's Globe has announced further casting for Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men, a new black comedy by actor and writer Lorien Haynes, directed by Tara Fitzgerald (Brassed Off, Game of Thrones), being hosted in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on Thursday 20 February.
Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians, will take the stage at Irvine Barclay Theatre on February 6 as part of the venue's new speaker series, Fresh Take. Kwan, along with Tony-winning Ain't Misbehavin', Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval and others, highlight the variety of spring performances at Irvine Barclay Theatre. See below for some notable shows through May, and here is a link to the entire season: https://mailchi.mp/thebarclay/announcing-irvine-barclay-theatres-2019-20-season).
Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood has announced the first production of its eighth season, Our Lady of 121st Street by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Under the direction of Adam Chambers, the cast will feature (in alphabetical order) Ben Anderson, Bridget Avildsen, Ela Castillo, Nandi Chapman, Brett Clevenger, Noah Copfer, Paige Gallagher, Barbera Ann Howard, Zenarra James, Mark Leclerc, Brian Majestic, Kristian Maxwell-McGeever, Mphatso Mgongira, Ignacio Navarro, Chris Oliver, Kevin Padilla, La'Vel Stacy, Abbygail Williams, Jared Wilson, and Nora Yessayan. Opening is set for Saturday, August 10, at 8pm and the engagement will continue through Sunday, September 15 only.
Right in time for Pride month, Nicholas Hytner draws a curious card from his sleeve for his own Bridge Theatre, introducing A Midsummer Night's Dream as a beguiling triumph of identity.
Gwendoline Christie, Oliver Chris, David Moorst and Hammed Animashaun lead the cast as Titania, Oberon, Puck and Bottom in Nicholas Hytner's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Bridge Theatre's immersive format running to 31 August 2019.
London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a drama about Europe to immersive Shakespeare and open-air opera, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!