All forthcoming 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 3pm. Tickets: £3.50 (£2.50 concessions) unless otherwise specified.
Book online or call 020 7452 3000.
Transcripts of a selection of past Platforms are available online or to buy. See Transcripts for details.
Platforms:
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John Humphrys
John Humphrys reflects on the journalist as author and political interrogator, and why he decided to write a funny book .
Mar 29 -
John Caird with Simon Russell Beale
In Theatre Craft, the director of Stanley, Peter Pan and Hamlet (2000) at the National offers practical advice on all areas of directing, from Acting and Adaptation, to Sound Effects and Wardrobe.
Apr 09 -
David Hare
To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of his debut, and the sixteen plays he has had performed at the National Theatre, he talks about his long life as a dramatist.
Apr 14 -
Laurie Sansom on Beyond the Horizon and Spring Storm
The director discusses his productions of the O’Neill and Williams plays as they arrive at the NT from Northampton.
Apr 22 -
Bulgakov: Russian Satirist
Journalist and author Misha Glenny, and writer James Meek examine the life of the troubled Soviet novelist and playwright, and reveal their passion for his work.
Apr 28 -
Marianne Elliott on Women Beware Women
Director Marianne Elliott talks about her new production of Thomas Middleton’s revenge tragedy.
Apr 29 -
In Conversation with Alex Jennings
A chance to hear NT company members talking about their career and current role, and answering your questions.
Apr 30 -
In Conversation with Richard Griffiths
A chance to hear NT company members talking about their career and current role, and answering your questions.
May 07 -
John Bridcut: Britten – Truth about Love?
The documentary-maker and writer talks about the life of Benjamin Britten, which formed the basis of Britten’s Children.
May 07 -
Middleton: Renaissance Man
“Men buy their slaves, but women buy their masters.” Gary Taylor, editor of The Oxford Middleton talks about a playwright called ‘feminist’ by some and ‘misogynist’ by others.
May 10 -
In Conversation with Fiona Shaw
A chance to hear NT company members talking about their career and current role, and answering your questions.
May 14 -
Victorian Fancies
A chance to discover more about the age of melodrama, music hall and richly comic drama – with extracts, songs, discussion and a special presentation of Boucicault’s version of The Corsican Brothers.
May 15 -
Josephine Hart: Auden – Truth Out of Time
The author Josephine Hart is joined by special guests to present her selection of the work of WH Auden.
May 17 -
In Conversation with Richard Briers
A chance to hear NT company members talking about their career and current role, and answering your questions.
May 24 -
Nicholas Hytner on London Assurance
The National’s Director talks about his new production of Boucicault’s comedy.
May 24 -
O’Neill & Williams: American Giants
A scholarly pairing of Christopher Bigsby and Gilbert Debusscher celebrates two giants of the American stage.
May 26 -
Contemporary European Theatre Directors
This new study of the latest generation of European auteur-directors, looks at how theatre has responded to the fall of the Berlin wall, the rise of globalisation and the expansion
May 28 -
In Conversation with Simon Russell Beale
A chance to hear NT company members talking about their career and current role, and answering your questions.
Jun 01 -
Robert Lindsay
In his book Letting Go, actor Robert Lindsay reveals the people and events that have influenced his life.
Jun 03 -
Matthew Dunster and Drew Pautz on Love the Sinner
Drew Pautz talks with his director Matthew Dunster about this new play.
Jun 15
