Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | A Typical Day | 20170501 | 20201130 (BBC7) 20201201 (BBC7) | 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 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. |
| 02 | Shakespeare | 20170502 | 20201201 (BBC7) 20201202 (BBC7) | 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. |
| 03 | Alan Bennett | 20170503 | 20190720 (BBC7) 20201202 (BBC7) 20201203 (BBC7) | 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. |
| 04 | Pullman And Morpurgo | 20170504 | 20201203 (BBC7) 20201204 (BBC7) | 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. |
| 05 | 50 Years | 20170505 | 20201204 (BBC7) 20201205 (BBC7) | 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. |