Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

Nicholas Hytner

Simon Richardson

Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre: 1. A Typical Day

1. A Typical Day

BBC Radio 4 - Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre, 1. A Typical Day

Nicholas Hytner describes his typical day as the theatre's director.

4 Extra Debut. Nicholas Hytner reads his memoir about running The National Theatre, describing a typical day as theatre director.

Nicholas Hytner tells the inside story of 12 years at the helm of Britain's greatest theatre. 

It’s a tale of lunatic failures and spectacular successes like The History Boys, War Horse and One Man, Two Guvnors. And opening the National Theatre's doors in London to a broader audience than ever before  - and changing the public's perception of what theatre is for. 

It’s about probing Shakespeare from every angle and reinventing the classics. About fostering new talent and directing some of the most celebrated actors of our times – from Alan Bennett and Maggie Smith to Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren. 

Intimate, candid and insightful, Balancing Acts is a passionate exploration of the art and alchemy of making theatre.

In this opening episode,  Nicholas Hynter describes his typical day as the theatre's Director.

Producer:  Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Nicholas Hytner's memoir of 12 years running the National Theatre. Read by the author.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

1. A Typical Day

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4