Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | The Reunion | 20220914 | Author, Daniel Rosenthal, conjures up stories and scenes from five decades of a unique national institution, based on London's South Bank. How did an episode of BBC Radio 3's ‘Private Passions' inspire Alan Bennett when he was writing ‘The History Boys'? How did the death of JFK affect Denys Lasdun, the architect for the National Theatre building on London's South Bank? ‘The National Theatre with Daniel Rosenthal' features some of the National's biggest names but also goes backstage to hear the unsung heroes working in wardrobe, as prop designers, puppet makers, stage managers and front of house, over the years. With excerpts from BBC archive programmes, the National Theatre Archive and Daniel Rosenthal's own personal recordings. In the first of three episodes - the theatre's early years features the opening ceremony of the whole complex by Her Majesty The Queen on the 25th of October 1976. In THE REUNION - Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Derek Jacobi and Joan Plowright recall the triumphant early years of The National Theatre Company, in an especially evocative edition from 2009. A look back at five decades of a unique national institution. |
| 02 | As You Like It To The Wind In The Willows | 20220921 | Daniel Rosenthal conjures up more stories and scenes from five decades of a unique national institution - the National Theatre With excerpts from BBC archive programmes, the National Theatre Archive and Daniel's own personal recordings. In the second of three episodes - in the poorly situated but democratically-designed dressing rooms, Daniel explains why John Gielgud once missed his cue. On the Olivier Stage, he remembers the National's first artistic director Laurence Olivier and the less well known but much-loved Michael Bryant. Plus tales of audiences who drank and smoked through an 8½ hour Ken Campbell opus, who participated in a circle dance performed by a member of Fairport Convention. Featuring: Judi Dench Richard Briers Howard Brenton Peter Hall Richard Eyre Nicholas Hytner Productions featured include: ‘The Romans In Britain', ‘Amadeus', ‘Guys and Dolls' and ‘The Wind in The Willows'. A look back at five decades of a unique national institution. |
| 03 | Little Voice To Two Guvnors | 20220928 | Author, Daniel Rosenthal, conjures up stories and scenes from five decades of a unique national institution: ‘The National Theatre with Daniel Rosenthal' features some of the National's biggest names but also goes backstage to hear the unsung heroes working in wardrobe, as prop designers, puppet makers, stage managers and front of house, over the years. With excerpts from BBC archive programmes, the National Theatre Archive and Daniel Rosenthal's own personal recordings. In this episode, more controversy over funding and Laurence Olivier's efforts to master the auditorium's acoustics. We hear from Jane Horrocks, Henry Goodman, David Thacker, Margot Leicester, Judi Dench, Nicholas Hytner, Clive Rowe, Rosie Beatty, Adrian Kohler, Michelle Terry, Richard Eyre, Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall. Productions featured include: ‘Little Voice', ‘War Horse' and ‘One Man, Two Guvnors'. Author Daniel Rosenthal shares stories from a unique national institution. |