Balancing Acts - Behind The Scenes At The National Theatre

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.

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

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

It's a tale of lunatic failures and spectacular successes like The History Boys, War Horse and One Man, Two Guvnors. Plus it's about 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 also about probing Shakespeare from every angle and reinventing the classics, plus 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.

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

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

[LISTEN NOW]

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

Recollections of his first production of William Shakespeare at The National Theatre - Henry V, starring Adrian Lester.

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

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

Nicholas Hytner recalls his first Shakespeare production at The National Theatre.

Nicholas Hytner's memoir of running The National Theatre, recalling his first Shakespeare production - Henry V.

[LISTEN NOW]

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

Recollections of his fecund creative relationship with actor and playwright, Alan Bennett.

Nicholas reveals how they came to meet and the incredible performances they created together. He fondly remembers their highly successful play 'The History Boys', and how it was brought to life.

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

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

Nicholas Hynter recalls working with actor and playwright Alan Bennett.

Nicholas Hytner recalls his exciting, creative partnership with Alan Bennett, whilst running The National Theatre.

[LISTEN NOW]

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

Recollections of how the seemingly impossible can become the most magical. Particularly when it comes to putting animals on stage - through his productions of Philip Pullman's Dark Materials and Michael Morpurgo's War Horse.

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

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

Nicholas Hytner reveals the stage tricks of putting animals in his productions.

Nicholas Hytner reveals how the seemingly impossible became magical putting animals on stage via Dark Materials and War Horse.

[LISTEN NOW]

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

Recollections of the birth of NT Live and The National's 50th Anniversary commemorations.

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

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

Director Nicholas Hytner looks back at the birth of NT Live and recalls The National's 50th Anniversary commemorations in 2013.

[LISTEN NOW]

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.

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

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.

[LISTEN NOW]