NT Talks

By National Theatre

What's NT Talks about?

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

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NT Talks episodes:

03.06.2020
Michael Billington on Stage
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,...
02.28.2020
Director Katy Rudd and Adapter Joel Horwood on The Ocean at the End of the Lane
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...
02.21.2020
Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall on Three Sisters
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...
02.07.2020
Neil Gaiman on The Ocean at the End of the Lane
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...
01.31.2020
Actors Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings on Hansard
Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Hansard. Chaired by David Benedict.
01.17.2020
Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson on Small Island
Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson reflect on their production of Small Island. Chaired by Brenda Emmanus.
01.10.2020
A Conversation with Peter Brook
Join legendary theatre-maker Peter Brook (‘our greatest living director’, Independent) as he speaks to Mark Lawson to discuss his new book Playing by Ear: Reflections on Music and Sound, which explores the role of music in the theatre and revisits...
12.20.2019
Director Simon Godwin and Writer Simon Woods on Hansard
Director Simon Godwin (Antony & Cleopatra, Man + Superman) and writer Simon Woods reflect on their new production of Hansard
12.13.2019
Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part Two): David Hare and Jonathan Kent
David Hare and Jonathan Kent (the partnership behind Young Chekhov) speak about the processes of making their new production. Hosted by Georgina Godwin
12.13.2019
Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part One): James McArdle
James McArdle (Platonov, Angels in America) reflects on the challenges and rewards of creating and playing Peter Gynt. Hosted by Georgina Godwin.
12.13.2019
Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son
Director Polly Findlay (Beginning, As You Like It, Treasure Island) discusses her new production of Rutherford and Son with Fiona Mountford.
12.13.2019
Director Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son
Director Polly Findlay (Beginning, As You Like It, Treasure Island) discusses her new production of Rutherford and Son with Fiona Mountford.
12.02.2019
Roger Allam on Rutherford and Son
Actor Roger Allam (Les Miserables, The Thick of It) reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing John Rutherford in the new production of Rutherford and Son.
04.03.2019
Director Pam MacKinnon and Writer Bruce Norris on Downstate
Join the director and writer as they reflect on their production of Downstate, with Rana Mitter.
01.16.2019
Writer David Hare on I'm Not Running
Writer David Hare reflects on his new play I’m Not Running, chaired by Helen Lewis. David Hare is a playwright and film-maker. Hare first worked at the National Theatre in 1971. Seventeen of his plays have since been presented there...
01.16.2019
Director Rachel Chavkin and Writer Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown
Join the director and writer as they reflect on their production of Hadestown. Rachel Chavkin is a director, dramaturg and sometime writer, and the founding Artistic Director of the TEAM (teamplays.org). Anaïs Mitchell is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Mitchell...
12.10.2018
Playwriting Then and Now
Join renowned playwrights Alecky Blythe (London Road, Little Revolution), Howard Brenton (Pravda, Never So Good), Natasha Gordon (Nine Night), and Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl from the North Country) and publisher Nick Hern, to explore how playwriting has – and...
12.10.2018
The Influence of Lecoq on UK Theatre
Jacques Lecoq was one of the major figures of Western theatre in the second half of the 20th century, known especially for his teaching of movement, play, improvisation, masks, language, comedy, and tragedy. This event explores this legacy with an...
12.10.2018
Dramatic Exchanges: the Lives and Letters of the NT
An event to celebrate the publication of Dramatic Exchanges: The Lives and Letters of the National Theatre selected and edited by Daniel Rosenthal. With contributions from the author and readings from actors with the NT company including Tim McMullan, Gloria...
12.03.2018
Three Perspectives on Dying
Dying and death is something we will all experience in our lifetime: the loss of a loved one, fear of dying or perhaps trying to extend our lives. Malika Booker, Rachel Clarke and Tony Walter explore different perspectives on dying. Malika...
12.03.2018
Patrick Marber on Exit the King
Patrick Marber talks about his new production, Exit the King, with Rachel Cooke. Patrick Marber’s plays for the National Theatre include Dealer’s Choice, Closer, The Red Lion, Three Days in the Country, The Beaux’ Stratagem, and Hedda Gabler.
12.03.2018
Ned Bennett and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on An Octoroon
The director and writer reflect on their production of An Octoroon.
12.03.2018
Ten NT Plays that Would Have Been Banned
To mark the 50th anniversary of the end of stage censorship in Britain, theatre historians and NT actors explore the NT plays which would have been banned by the Lord Chamberlain's Office if state control of plays had not been...
12.03.2018
Director Simon Godwin on Antony and Cleopatra
Join the director as he reflects on his production of Antony & Cleopatra, with Fiona Mountford.
06.20.2018
Director Ian Rickson on Translations
Join the director as he reflects on his production of Translations, chaired by Tanya Seghatchian. Ian Rickson was artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre from 1998 to 2007. Recent West End work includes Jerusalem, Betrayal, Mojo, The Goat, or...
06.20.2018
Actor Kate Fleetwood on Absolute Hell
Kate Fleetwood reflects on the challenges and rewards of performing the roles of Christine Foskett in Absolute Hell. Kate Fleetwood was in King Lear, Ugly Lies the Bone, 50 Years on Stage, London Road and Love’s Labour’s Lost at the NT,...
05.29.2018
Culture after Windrush
A panel discussion with contributions from artist Larry Achiampong, writer and academic Margaret Byron, Matthew Ryder (Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility, Community Engagement), Sharon Watson (Artistic Director, Phoenix Dance Theatre) and chaired by presenter Brenda Emannus which explores...
05.22.2018
Performing Shakespeare
The Arden Shakespeare has released a new series, Arden Performance Editions, specially annotated to help actors, directors and students in the rehearsal and classroom. Join series editors Abigail Rokison-Woodall and Simon Russell Beale to discuss the perks, pitfalls and practicalities...
05.22.2018
Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear on Macbeth
Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear reflect on the challenges and rewards of playing Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, chaired by Tazeen Ahmad. Anne-Marie Duff’s work at the NT includes King Lear, Saint Joan, Husbands and Sons, and War and Peace. Rory...
05.14.2018
Natasha Gordon and Roy Alexander Weise on Nine Night
The writer and director discuss their production of Nine Night. Natasha Gordon is a London-born actress and writer of Jamaican descent. She has performed at Tricycle Theatre, Royal Court, Young Vic and RSC. Nine Night is her first play. Roy Alexander Weise...
05.09.2018
Reasons to be Graeae
A panel event to launch Oberon’s new book Reasons to be Graeae, celebrating the first 38 years of the UK’s first disabled-led theatre company. Several of the books contributors including Jenny Sealey, Jack Thorne, Alison Halstead, Nicola Miles-Wildin, Rufus Norris...
04.19.2018
Jo Nesbo: Macbeth
Number 1 bestselling crime-writer Jo Nesbo (The Snowman, The Thirst) discusses his gripping new thriller, Macbeth, on the eve of its publication. Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
03.29.2018
Lucian Msamati and Adam Gillen on Mozart and Salieri
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing the roles of Mozart and Salieri in Amadeus.
03.27.2018
Antony Sher: The Lear Diaries
To mark the publication of his new book, Year of the Mad King: The Lear Diaries, Antony Sher will be discussing his experiences of returning to Shakespeare’s King Lear after more than 30 years to perform the title role. Sher kept...
03.26.2018
National Debate: The Influence of the Media
Studies show that mainstream and social media influence our daily decisions; what to buy, how to vote and even how to treat people or view society. We're increasingly relying on social networks as our source of news – is this...
03.07.2018
The Future of Musical Theatre
A conversation exploring recent influences and shifts in writing for musical theatre, and looking forward to the future of the genre. Speakers include Anthony Drewe, Victoria Saxton and Sevan Tavoukdijan, chaired by Adam Lenson.
03.07.2018
Shakespeare's England in 1606 with James Shapiro
1606, while a very good year for Shakespeare (he wrote Macbeth, King Lear and Antony and Cleopatra), was a fraught one for England. The plague had returned. There was resistance to the new king's desire to turn England and Scotland...
03.01.2018
Dennis Kelly on Pinocchio
Writer Dennis Kelly reflects on his role in the National Theatre's production of Pinocchio. Chaired by Rosie Goldsmith.
02.12.2018
Chloe Lamford and James Macdonald on John
Join the director and designer as they reflect on their new production of John. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.
02.02.2018
Amadeus - Fact or Fiction?
Gavin Plumley and Michael Longhurst discuss Amadeus – exploring the facts and asking what Shaffer’s theatrical fiction brings to the life of Mozart, chaired by Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
01.12.2018
Bob Crowley and Toby Olié on Pinocchio
Set and Costume Designer and Puppet Co-designer Bob Crowley (The History Boys), Puppetry Director and Puppet Co-designer Toby Olié (War Horse) and Director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) reflect on their new production of Pinocchio. Chaired by...
01.08.2018
Josephine Barstow and Tracie Bennett on Follies
The actors reflect on the challenges and rewards of performing in Follies, chaired by Clemency Burton-Hill. Josephine Barstow has performed in opera houses across the world alongside artists such as Domingo and Pavarotti, and under the baton of Solti and...
12.19.2017
Private Eye: A Review Of 2017
Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye looks back on 2017 with regular guests Craig Brown, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens and John Sessions. Private Eye is a British fortnightly satirical and current affairs news magazine, founded in 1961. It is published in...
12.14.2017
Little Me: The A-Z of Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas, one of Britain's best-loved comedians and actors, speaks about his memoir. Chaired by comedy historian Robert Ross.
12.01.2017
A Poem for Every Day of the Year
Following the success of A Poem for Every Night of the Year (Independent Bookshop Week Award 2017) Allie Esiri’s new anthology, A Poem for Every Day of the Year is a journey through a calendar year, highlighting key moments and...
11.20.2017
National Debate: Class - an unequal nation?
A panel explores how class affects our chosen path in life, and how easy is it to break out of the social hierarchy. Is the class system still relevant in 21st-century Britain? The National Theatre presents a debate inspired by...
11.06.2017
Polly Findlay and David Eldridge on Beginning
Join writer David Eldridge and director Polly Findlay as they reflect on their production of Beginning. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.
10.26.2017
Dominic Cooke on Follies
Dominic Cooke discusses his work as director on Stephen Sondheim’s Follies for the Olivier stage in 2017.
10.25.2017
Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap on Jane Eyre
Actors Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap discuss the challenges and rewards of playing Jane Eyre and Rochester in Jane Eyre. Chaired by Sarfraz Manzoor.
10.12.2017
London Theatres
London is the theatre capital of the world. From world-famous musicals to West End shows, from cutting-edge plays to Shakespeare in its original staging, from outdoor performance to intimate fringe theatre, the range and quality is unsurpassed. Critic Michael Coveney and...

What's NT Talks about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

NT Talks episodes:

Michael Billington on Stage

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

Writer Inua Ellams and Director Nadia Fall on Three Sisters

Neil Gaiman on The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Actors Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings on Hansard

Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson on Small Island

A Conversation with Peter Brook

Director Simon Godwin and Writer Simon Woods on Hansard

Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part Two): David Hare and Jonathan Kent

Creating and Performing Peter Gynt (Part One): James McArdle

Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son

Director Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son

Roger Allam on Rutherford and Son

Director Pam MacKinnon and Writer Bruce Norris on Downstate

Writer David Hare on I'm Not Running

Director Rachel Chavkin and Writer Anaïs Mitchell on Hadestown

Playwriting Then and Now

The Influence of Lecoq on UK Theatre

Dramatic Exchanges: the Lives and Letters of the NT

Three Perspectives on Dying

Patrick Marber on Exit the King

Ned Bennett and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins on An Octoroon

Ten NT Plays that Would Have Been Banned

Director Simon Godwin on Antony and Cleopatra

Director Ian Rickson on Translations

Actor Kate Fleetwood on Absolute Hell

Culture after Windrush

Performing Shakespeare

Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear on Macbeth

Natasha Gordon and Roy Alexander Weise on Nine Night

Reasons to be Graeae

Jo Nesbo: Macbeth

Lucian Msamati and Adam Gillen on Mozart and Salieri

Antony Sher: The Lear Diaries

National Debate: The Influence of the Media

The Future of Musical Theatre

Shakespeare's England in 1606 with James Shapiro

Dennis Kelly on Pinocchio

Chloe Lamford and James Macdonald on John

Amadeus - Fact or Fiction?

Bob Crowley and Toby Olié on Pinocchio

Josephine Barstow and Tracie Bennett on Follies

Private Eye: A Review Of 2017

Little Me: The A-Z of Matt Lucas

A Poem for Every Day of the Year

National Debate: Class - an unequal nation?

Polly Findlay and David Eldridge on Beginning

Dominic Cooke on Follies

Nadia Clifford and Tim Delap on Jane Eyre

London Theatres