National Theatre

Sondheim’s Follies to return to the National Theatre in 2019

News, West End
Stephen Sondheim's Follies at National Theatre

Stephen Sondheim’s musical Follies is to return to the National Theatre in 2019. Following a critically acclaimed run in 2017-18, Stephen Sondheim and James Golman’s musical Follies is to return to the National Theatre in 2019. Casting and production dates will be announced in the near future. The production recently won two awards at the London’s Critic’s Circle Theatre Awards for Dominic Cooke (Best Director) and Vicki Mortimer (Best Designer). A cast album of the production is expected to be released in the coming months. Dominic Cooke’s production of Follies saw the show restored scenes cut from the 1971 Broadway premiere and used Jonathan Tunick’s full original orchestration and saw the show returned to its original one-act structure. The National Theatre’s production of Follies saw four-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton as Sally Durrant, three time Olivier winner Philip Quast as Ben, and Olivier and Obie Award winner Janie Dee … Read more

What To Watch Out For in 2018 – Paul T Davies

Features
Olivier Theatre at the National

To talk about every show I’m looking forward to in 2018 would extend this column beyond your patience, so I thought I would focus on three different aspects-and throw in a few more! THE DIRECTOR. One of my favourite directors is Emma Rice, who got me back into the Globe theatre after feeling that it had become too staid for my tastes in the years before. Now she is free of any shackles they may have put on her, I’m excited to see her new work, and to welcome back one of her classics. Her new company, Wise Children, is the new company in residence at the Old Vic, London, and the first production will be an adaptation of Angela Carter’s classic novel Wise Children. A story of twins born on the wrong side of the bed sheets to a theatrical knight, its theatricality and storytelling makes it a perfect … Read more

FIRST LOOK: Pinocchio at the National Theatre

Features, Gallery, West End
Pinocchio National Theatre

We are pleased to bring you these great production images by Manuel Harlan from the National Theatre’s production of Pinocchio now in previews at the Lyttelton Theatre. Following his triumphant production of Hary Potter and the Cursed Child, John Tiffany directs this story of Pinocchio and his quest to be truly alive. We follow Pinocchio as he leaves Gepetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket on an electrifying adventure from the alpine forests to Pleasure Island to the bottom of the ocean. This is the first time that Pinocchio has been staged. This production features a new book by Dennis Kelly (Matilda) and the unforgettable music and songs from the Walt Disney animated film including I’ve Got No Strings, When You Wish Upon A Star and Give A Little Whistle. Cast includes Joe Idris-Roberts (Pinocchio), Audrey Brisson (Jiminy Cricket), Mark Hadfield(Geppetto),Annette McLaughlin (Blue Lady), David Langham (The Fox), David Kirkbride (Coachman), Dawn … Read more

INTERVIEW: Ivo Van Hove on Hedda Gabler

Features, Interviews, Touring
Ivo Van Hove on Hedda Gabler

Kate Moore speaks to Ivo Van Hove about his production of Hedda Gabler which is now touring the UK. HEDDA GABLER UK TOUR DATES Kate Moore: Hi Ivo, let’s start off by discussing what drew you to Hedda Gabler. Why this play, and why do it now? Ivo van Hove: Well there are a few masterpieces in the world of the theatre and I think this is really Ibsen’s masterpiece. But more than that, it’s also a very personal play. It was written when Ibsen was quite old, ten years after A Doll’s House, and you feel that there is a real urgency for him to write this. And it’s very awkward because this character of Hedda is not so sympathetic, actually. She’s not someone that you can empathise with immediately. I believe it’s actually a portrait of himself. He had an urgency to tell a story about somebody who … Read more