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.

NT Talks

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.

Actors Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings on Hansard

Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson reflect on their production of Small Island. Chaired by Brenda Emmanus.

Director Rufus Norris and Adapter Helen Edmundson on Small Island

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 some of the best-known productions from his long and distinguished career.

A Conversation with Peter Brook

Director Simon Godwin (Antony & Cleopatra, Man + Superman) and writer Simon Woods reflect on their new production of Hansard

Director Simon Godwin and Writer Simon Woods on Hansard

David Hare and Jonathan Kent (the partnership behind Young Chekhov) speak about the processes of making their new production. Hosted by Georgina Godwin

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

James McArdle (Platonov, Angels in America) reflects on the challenges and rewards of creating and playing Peter Gynt. Hosted by Georgina Godwin.

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

Director Polly Findlay (Beginning, As You Like It, Treasure Island) discusses her new production of Rutherford and Son with Fiona Mountford.

Polly Findlay on Rutherford and Son

Director Polly Findlay 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.

Roger Allam on Rutherford and Son

Join the director and writer as they reflect on their production of Downstate, with Rana Mitter.

Director Pam MacKinnon and Writer Bruce Norris on Downstate

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 including Plenty, Pravda (with Howard Brenton), The Secret Rapture, Racing Demon, Murmuring Judges, Skylight, Amy’s View, Stuff Happens, The Absence of War, Behind the Beautiful Forevers and The Red Barn. Film and TV includes Collateral, Licking Hitler, Dreams of Leaving, Saigon: Year of the Cat, Wetherby, Damage, The Hours, The Reader, and the Worricker Trilogy: Page Eight, Turks & Caicos and Salting the Battlefield.

Writer David Hare on I'm Not Running

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

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