BBC Radio 4 Extra

Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre (Omnibus)

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre (Omnibus)

Nicholas Hytner reads his memoir of 12 years running The National Theatre.

Nicholas Hytner reads his memoir of 12 years running The National Theatre – starting with a typical day as artistic 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.

This omnibus of five episodes begins with Nicholas Hynter describing his typical day as Director of the National Theatre.  

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

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