In The House of Hidden Mothers, her new novel about female friendship, motherhood and love, the actor – last seen at the National in Behind the Beautiful Forevers - addresses topical themes of late parenthood and surrogacy.

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Meera Syal: The House of Hidden Mothers

Welcome to our collection of conversations recorded live from the National Theatre stages, including interviews with actors, directors and playwrights.

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Michael Billington reflects on almost 50 years and some 10,000 reviews as he steps down as the Guardian's chief theatre critic. Michael is introduced by Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. A number of guests including actors Penelope Wilton, Simon Russell Beale, Aisling Loftus and Oliver Ford Davies read from some of Michael's favourite plays.

Michael Billington on Stage

Katy Rudd (The Almighty, Royal Exchange; Associate Artist, Elliott & Harper Productions) and Joel Horwood (I Want My Hat Back, National Theatre; The Little Mermaid, Bristol Old Vic) discuss their new production of Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Chaired by playwright and academic, Dan Rebellato.

Director Katy Rudd and Adapter Joel Horwood on The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall discuss their new production of Three Sisters. Chaired by Louisa Uchum Egbunike, Lecturer in English at City, University of London, Curator of the Legacies of Biafra touring exhibition and Co-Convenor of the Annual Igbo Conference.

Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall on Three Sisters

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is the bestselling magical novel from the brilliant imagination of Neil Gaiman. Join Gaiman as he chats to Lenny Henry about writing this modern myth, where his inspiration came from, and what it's like to have his novel adapted for the stage.

Neil Gaiman on The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Hansard. Chaired by David Benedict.

Meera Syal: The House of Hidden Mothers

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