Balancing Acts - Behind The Scenes At The National Theatre

Episodes

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011. A Typical Day20170501

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.

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

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

02Shakespeare20170502Nicholas 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.

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

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

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

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

033. Alan Bennett20170503

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.

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

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

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

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

044. Pullman & Morpurgo20170504

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.

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

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

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

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

055. 50 Years20170505

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.

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

Written and read by Nicholas Hytner

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2017.

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

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