To celebrate NHB's involvement in this year's vibrant Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, we've asked a handful of our writers who have either performed, written, directed or produced work for the Festival Fringe to tell us what it means to them. First up is Hywel John, whose latest work Rose, a heartfelt study of heritage, grief … Continue reading Edinburgh Festival Fringe special: with Hywel John
Theatre
Spotlight: RATTIGAN’S NIJINSKY at Chichester Festival Theatre
Terence Rattigan's 1974 BBC television script about Diaghilev, the genius impresario behind the Ballets Russes, and Nijinsky, the greatest dancer of all time, was mysteriously withdrawn before it could be filmed. Playwright Nicholas Wright explains how his new play interweaves Rattigan’s screenplay with the story behind its cancellation. Rattigan’s Nijinsky received its world premiere this week … Continue reading Spotlight: RATTIGAN’S NIJINSKY at Chichester Festival Theatre
Richard Eyre’s TALKING THEATRE: with Alan Bennett
In Part Four of our week-long Talking Theatre Special – Richard Eyre interviews playwright and actor Alan Bennett. He has become part of the (quintessentially English) family, a familiar face, a national institution, adjectival: ‘Very Alan Bennett,’ people say. I interviewed him in the basement kitchen of my house. He wasn’t at his happiest when … Continue reading Richard Eyre’s TALKING THEATRE: with Alan Bennett
Richard Eyre’s TALKING THEATRE: with Fiona Shaw
In Part Three of our week-long Talking Theatre Special – Richard Eyre interviews actor Fiona Shaw. Born in Cork, Fiona Shaw is celebrated for playing many classical roles—Medea, Electra, Hedda Gabler, even Richard II. Most good actors are highly intelligent; few are highly articulate. Fiona Shaw’s fluency never leads her into waffle, but as an … Continue reading Richard Eyre’s TALKING THEATRE: with Fiona Shaw
Richard Eyre on TALKING THEATRE: Interviews with Theatre People
To celebrate the new paperback edition of Richard Eyre's Talking Theatre - his superlative account of how theatre is made, in the words of the very people who make it - we will be posting exclusive extracts from the book here on the NHB blog. Come back on Monday to find out what John Gielgud … Continue reading Richard Eyre on TALKING THEATRE: Interviews with Theatre People
Spotlight: THE PRIDE at Crucible Studio, Sheffield
Alexi Kaye Campbell’s award-winning debut play received its regional premiere this week at Sheffield's Crucible Studio Theatre, following its sell-out world premiere at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 2008, and subsequent off-Broadway production. Directed by actor and director Richard Wilson, the production has been praised as 'a brave and rewarding drama that speaks to … Continue reading Spotlight: THE PRIDE at Crucible Studio, Sheffield
Spotlight: HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS at Soho Theatre
This month NHB publishes Lou Ramsden’s Hundreds and Thousands, the follow-up play to her critically acclaimed debut Breed (2010), for which she was shortlisted for the Critics' Circle Most Promising Playwright Award. Here, exclusively for the NHB blog, Lou spills the beans on what it's like for a playwright in those final days leading up … Continue reading Spotlight: HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS at Soho Theatre
Spotlight: LONDON VIA LAGOS – a festival of vibrant new plays linking Nigeria and the UK, at Oval House Theatre
The London via Lagos festival at Oval House Theatre in Kennington, running until 10 July, celebrates contemporary British Nigerian playwriting with two exciting new plays by Arinze Kene and Lydia Adetunji. Here, exclusively for the NHB blog, the authors tell us about what inspired them, and how they went about writing their plays. Arinze Kene: … Continue reading Spotlight: LONDON VIA LAGOS – a festival of vibrant new plays linking Nigeria and the UK, at Oval House Theatre
Spotlight: HOME DEATH – a new play by Nell Dunn
Nell Dunn is a distinguished writer whose work includes the award-winning play Steaming, as well as several novels including Up the Junction, which was directed for TV by Ken Loach. Her latest play Home Death is based on moving true-life accounts of people dealing with the death of their loved ones at home. It was … Continue reading Spotlight: HOME DEATH – a new play by Nell Dunn
Introducing ‘Meet The Playwright’ – on Stage Talk TV!
This month sees the launch of Stage Talk, the first show on TV dedicated to amateur and community theatre. It's a sign of great confidence in grassroots theatre in the UK that a dedicated programme should appear just as many professional theatre companies are reeling from the shock of Arts Council cuts. 'Am Dram' has … Continue reading Introducing ‘Meet The Playwright’ – on Stage Talk TV!
The Prompt Book 