Platforms
An eclectic programme of pre-performance events celebrates all aspects of the arts, offering the chance to learn about the National's work and discover more about theatre in general. Platforms usually start at 6pm, lasting for 45 minutes - there are occasional afternoon events, usually starting at 2.30pm. Tickets: £3.50 (£2.50 concessions) unless otherwise specified.
Book online or call 020 7 452 3000.
Transcripts of a selection of past Platforms are available online or to buy. See Transcripts for details.
Platforms:
-
Michael Holroyd and Richard Briers on Ellen Terry and Henry Irving
Michael Holroyd is joined by fellow Irving-enthusiast, Richard Briers, to examine the dramatic lives of Ellen Terry and Henry Irving.
Nov 25 -
Tracy Letts on August: Osage County
The playwright, Tracy Letts discusses Steppenwolf’s award-winning production.
Nov 28 -
An Evening with Private Eye
The annual round-up of the year's events with Ian Hislop and special guests
Dec 01 -
Julie Walters
s her autobiography is published, a comedy legend returns to the National to reflect on her hugely diverse 25-year career.
Dec 04 -
In Conversation with Tamsin Greig
Currently appearing in Gethsemane, Tamsin Greig talks about her career.
Dec 08 -
Seeing Landscapes
Four talks from renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite.
Dec 08, 09, Jan 05, 06 > -
Christopher Bigsby on Arthur Miller
Christopher Bigsby introduces his much-anticipated biography of one of the 20th century’s greatest playwrights.
Dec 10 -
Jonathan Croall on Sybil Thorndike
Biographer Jonathan Croall talks to Polly Toynbee about the great actress, pacifist and socialist, Sybil Thorndike.
Dec 16 -
Theatre Quiz
Two rival National Theatre companies do battle over theatrical knowledge in the festive annual quiz.
Dec 19 -
Michael Morpurgo
As the revival of War Horse continues in the Olivier, the author reflects on Joey’s journey to the stage.
Jan 22 -
Ian Kelly on Casanova
Historian and actor Ian Kelly, currently appearing in The Pitmen Painters, unveils a very different Casanova from the legendary lover.
Feb 04 > -
Marianne Elliott and Samuel Adamson on Mrs Affleck
The director and playwright talk about this new production, inspired by Ibsen’s Little Eyolf.
Feb 11 -
The Satanic Verses – Twenty Years On
English PEN and the National bring together actors and writers to read from Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses and discuss the implications of the fatwa against the writer.
Feb 14 -
Free Valentine’s Day Screening
Shakespeare in Lovefree outdoor screening of Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman’s ingenious love story about the rising young light of the Elizabethan stage.
Feb 14 -
Tom Stoppard on Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
The playwright discusses his play for actors and orchestra.
Feb 14 -
Michael Kustow
Outspoken writer, producer and cultural activist Michael Kustow, reflects on In Search of Jerusalem, his year-long spiritual journey from India to Israel and Palestine.
Feb 26 -
Richard Bean on England People Very Nice
The writer discusses his new play about immigration into London’s East End.
Feb 27 -
In Conversation with Claire Skinner
Company members chat informally about their work and answer your questions. Chaired by Al Senter.
Mar 02 -
Sandi Toksvig presents The Great Feminist Quiz
Sandi Toksvig, Fiona Laird and friends celebrate the post-feminist age.
Mar 05 -
Peter Flannery on Burnt by the Sun
Peter Flannery talks about his theatrical adaptation of this story set in Soviet Russia.
Mar 24 -
Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton introduces The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, exploring the modern workplace and what makes jobs either fulfilling or soul-destroying.
Apr 02 -
In Conversation with Rory Kinnear
Company members chat informally about their work and answer your questions. Chaired by Al Senter.
Apr 03 -
James Macdonald on Dido, Queen of Carthage
The director talks about his production of Marlowe’s intense tale of love, betrayal and suicide.
Apr 03 -
Immigration in Literature
Writers, including Charles Nicholl and Robert McLiam Wilson, discuss the literary history of migrating Huguenots, Irish, Jewish and Bangladeshi communities.
Apr 15 -
Jonathan Dimbleby
In Russia, Jonathan Dimbleby looks at how her past has shaped her current identity, and investigates what modern Russia means to her people now.
Apr 16 -
Rufus Norris on Death and the King’s Horseman
Rufus Norris talks about his new production of Wole Soyinka’s play.
Apr 22 -
Paris Calling: Discussion
Playwrights from the series discuss the current state of French playwriting and the genesis and development of the Paris Calling season.
Apr 23 -
Paris Calling: Readings
A chance to hear extracts from three newly translated contemporary French plays.
Apr 23 -
Ten Years of the Children’s Laureate
Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen and Jacqueline Wilson celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Children’s Laureate.
Apr 27 -
Virginia McKenna
Virginia McKenna’s autobiography looks back on her career as an actor and her role in the conservation and animal welfare movement.
Apr 28 -
Rupert Goold on Time and the Conways
The director talks about his new production of Priestley’s ‘time play’.
May 14
