NATIONAL THEATRE: JULY 2015 – JANUARY 2016

Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT is directed by Polly Findlay, with Rosalie Craig as Rosalind

Anne-Marie Duff returns to the NT in D H Lawrence’s HUSBANDS & SONS, adapted by Ben Power, directed by Marianne Elliott in a co-production with the Royal Exchange

Roger Michell directs WASTE by Harley Granville-Barker, with a cast led by Charles Edwards

A new play by Wallace Shawn, EVENING AT THE TALK HOUSE, is directed by Ian Rickson

HERE WE GO, a new play by Caryl Churchill, is directed by Dominic Cooke

wonder.land, a new musical by Damon Albarn and Moira Buffini, directed by Rufus Norris, opens at the National after its premiere at Manchester International Festival

For young and family audiences: I WANT MY HAT BACK adapted from Jon Klassen’s book by Joel Horwood and Arthur Darvill, and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Summer outdoor entertainment on the RIVER STAGE

The SPILL Festival of Performance presents Heather Cassils’ Inextinguishable Fire

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE broadcasts Everyman, The Beaux’ Stratagem, Jane Eyre and As You Like It from the NT, Hamlet from the Barbican and an encore of the Donmar Warehouse’s Coriolanus

Platforms and Clore Learning Centre events, courses and talks

HUSBANDS & SONS Dorfman TheatrePreviews from 19 October, press night 27 October, booking until 19 January with additional performances to be announcedRoyal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 19 February – 19 March 2016

Anne-Marie Duff returns to the National to play Lizzie Holroyd in HUSBANDS & SONS by

DH Lawrence, adapted by Ben Power and directed by Marianne Elliott, opening in the

Dorfman Theatre on 19 October. A co-production with the Royal Exchange Theatre, it will

play in Manchester from 19 February – 19 March 2016. The cast also includes Joe

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Armstrong, Matthew Barker, John Biggins, Cassie Bradley, Louise Brealey, Susan Brown,

Julia Ford, Johnny Gibbon, Tala Gouveia, Lloyd Hutchinson, Philip McGinley, Martin

Marquez, Katherine Pearce, Josie Walker and Sue Wallace. The production will be designed

by Bunny Christie with lighting by Lucy Carter, video design by Tal Rosner, movement by

Scott Graham, music by Adrian Sutton, sound by Ian Dickinson and fight direction by Kate

Waters.

On the cracked border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire stands the village of Eastwood.

The women of the village, wives and mothers, struggle to hold their families and their own

souls together in the shadow of the great Brinsley pit.

HUSBANDS & SONS interweaves three of D H Lawrence’s greatest dramas (The Daughter-

in-Law, A Collier’s Friday Night and The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd), and plays them

simultaneously. Describing the world he came from with fierce tenderness, Lawrence

evokes a now-vanished world of manual labour and working class pride.

Ben Power is Deputy Artistic Director of the National, where his adaptations have included

Euripides' Medea and Ibsen’s Emperor and Galilean. He has worked as dramaturg on over

twenty productions here. For Headlong Theatre, his adaptations included Six Characters in

Search of an Author and Faustus with Rupert Goold and Paradise Lost. His screenplays

include the forthcoming The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses for the BBC. For the first

series of The Hollow Crown, Ben Power adapted Henry V, and Richard II which won the

RTS Award for Best Drama and was nominated for a BAFTA.

Anne-Marie Duff’s National Theatre work includes Strange Interlude and Saint Joan (for

which she won Best Actress at the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards

2008 and was nominated for an Olivier); other recent theatre work has included Cause

Célèbre (Old Vic) and the title role in Berenice (Donmar Warehouse). Her many television

appearances include the title role in Elizabeth the Virgin Queen and Shameless. Anne-Marie

Duff will appear in the feature film Suffragettes written by Abi Morgan and due to be released

in October.

Marianne Elliott is an Associate Director at the NT where her work includes The Curious

Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner of seven Olivier Awards including Best Director

and five Tony Awards including Best Director), Rules for Living, The Light Princess,

Port, Season's Greetings, Women Beware Women, All's Well That Ends Well, Mrs Affleck,

Harper Regan, Saint Joan with Anne-Marie Duff (Olivier Award for Best Revival, South Bank

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Show Award for Theatre), Thérèse Raquin, Pillars of the Community (Evening Standard

Award for Best Director) and War Horse (co-directed with Tom Morris, winning a Tony Award

for Best Direction of a Play).

The Dorfman Partner is Neptune Investment Management.

Press night: Tuesday 27 OctoberContact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233 / mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk

AS YOU LIKE IT Olivier TheatrePreviews from 26 October, press night 3 November, in repertoire until 5 MarchNational Theatre Live broadcast on 25 February 2016

Polly Findlay directs Shakespeare’s comedy of love and change, AS YOU LIKE IT, opening

on 3 November in the Olivier Theatre in its first production at the National for over 30 years.

Rosalie Craig plays Rosalind; the cast also includes Leon Annor, Philip Arditti, Mark Benton

(as Touchstone), Paul Chahidi (as Jaques), Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Patsy Ferran (as

Celia), Patrick Godfrey, Gemma Lawrence, Ken Nwosu, Ekow Quartey and Alan Williams.

The production will have set designs by Lizzie Clachan, costumes by Christina Cunningham,

lighting by Jon Clark, music by Orlando Gough, movement by Jonathan Goddard, sound by

Carolyn Downing and fight direction by Kate Waters.

With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their

lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden.

There released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation.

Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in

love.

Rosalie Craig’s work for the National includes The Light Princess (for which she won the

2013 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical Performance and was nominated for an

Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Table, London Road on stage and screen, and

wonder.land at Manchester International Festival. Her other work includes the title role in

Miss Julie and Clea in Black Comedy (Chichester Festival Theatre); Lady Macduff in

Macbeth (Manchester International Festival); Sweeney Todd (ENO); The Vote and City of

Angels (both Donmar Warehouse); Ragtime (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Company

(Crucible, Sheffield); and Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic).

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Polly Findlay’s productions for the NT include Treasure Island, Protest Song, Antigone, The

Swan and Nightwatchman, and the German-language production of War Horse in Berlin. Her

other work includes The Merchant of Venice and Arden of Faversham for the RSC.

As You Like It is supported by Radisson Blu Edwardian, the National’s official hotel partner.

Press night: Tuesday 3 NovemberContact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 or mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk

WASTE Lyttelton TheatrePreviews from 3 November, press night 10 November, booking until 16 January with additional performances to be announced

Roger Michell directs Harley Granville Barker’s WASTE, opening in the Lyttelton Theatre on

10 November; with designs by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Rick Fisher and sound by John

Leonard. Charles Edwards leads the cast, which also includes William Chubb.

Backstage at a hung parliament, visionary Independent Henry Trebell is co-opted by the

Tories to push through a controversial Bill. Pursuing his cause with missionary zeal, he’s

barely distracted by his brief affair with a married woman until she suffers a lethal backstreet

abortion. Threatened by public scandal, the Establishment closes ranks and coolly seals the

fate of an idealistic man.

Famously banned by the censors in 1907, Harley Granville Barker’s controversial

masterpiece gathers a large ensemble to expose a cut-throat, cynical world of sex, sleaze

and suicide amongst the political elite of Edwardian England.

Charles Edwards’ work for the National includes Strange Interlude, This House, Twelfth

Night, The Duchess of Malfi and All My Sons. He was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Best

Actor Award for his role as Jack Weatherill in This House jointly with his role as Bertie in The

King’s Speech in the West End. Other recent theatre includes Richard II and Much Ado

About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe), Blithe Spirit (West End) and The 39 Steps (West End

and Broadway). His television work includes Downton Abbey.

Roger Michell’s previous NT work includes Blue/Orange, Honour, Landscape with Weapon

and The Homecoming. Other theatre includes Birthday, Tribes and My Night With Reg

(Royal Court), Rope (Almeida), Farewell to the Theatre (Hampstead) and Betrayal (Donmar

Warehouse). His many films include Notting Hill, Changing Lanes, Enduring Love, The

Mother, Venus, Hyde Park on Hudson and Le Week-End; television includes Lost Honour.

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Press night: Tuesday 10 NovemberContact: Susie Newbery on 020 7452 3061 / snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk

I WANT MY HAT BACK Temporary Theatre Previews from 12 November, press performance 16 November at 1.30pm, playing in repertoire until 2 January. Suitable for ages 3+

I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen, with book and lyrics by Joel Horwood and music by

Arthur Darvill, plays in the Temporary Theatre from 12 November until 2 January. It will be

directed by Wils Wilson and designed by Fly Davis, with lighting by Beky Stoddart and sound

by Joel Price.

Jon Klassen’s brilliant, witty book was published in 2011, and has fast become a modern

children’s classic. I Want My Hat Back now comes to the stage in a joyous new adaptation

stuffed with humour, music and surprises.

Bear’s hat is gone. He loves his hat. He wants it back. He asks all of the animals in the

forest, but no one has seen it. WAIT! He has seen it somewhere...

Press performance: Monday 16 November at 1.30pmContact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233 / mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk

EVENING AT THE TALK HOUSE Dorfman TheatrePreviews from 17 November, press night 24 November, booking until 23 January with additional performances to be announced.

A new play by Wallace Shawn, EVENING AT THE TALK HOUSE receives its world

premiere at the Dorfman Theatre on 24 November. Directed by Ian Rickson, the cast

includes Sinead Matthews. It will have set designs by The Quay Brothers, costumes by

Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Stephen Warbeck and sound by Ian

Dickinson.

A reunion at the almost legendary club, The Talk House. Still presided over by the kindly

Nellie, there’s the same genteel atmosphere, the familiar drinks and the special snacks.

The playwright, the composer, the actress. The former television star brutally beaten up.

The possibility of a pleasant night.

Wallace Shawn’s last play to premiere at the National was The Designated Mourner in 1996.

His other stage plays include The Fever and Aunt Dan and Lemon; among his screenplays

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are My Dinner with André and Vanya on 42nd Street, in both of which he also appeared. His

many other acting credits include Manhattan, The Princess Bride, Clueless, The Good Wife

and the voice of Rex in the three Toy Story films.

Ian Rickson has previously directed The Red Lion, The Hothouse and The Day I Stood Still

for the National. He was Artistic Director of the Royal Court from 1998 – 2006; recent

productions include Electra and The Cherry Orchard (Old Vic), The River (Royal Court and

Broadway), Old Times, Mojo (West End), Hamlet (Young Vic) and Jerusalem (Royal Court,

West End & Broadway).

Press night: Tuesday 24 NovemberContact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 / mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk

HERE WE GO Lyttelton Theatre Previews 25 & 26 November, press night 27 November, playing until 19 December

HERE WE GO, a new, short play about death by Caryl Churchill, will be directed by Dominic

Cooke and designed by Vicki Mortimer, with sound by Christopher Shutt.

A funeral party for a man with an adventurous past and a ginger cat that needs a home.

Where is he now? Is his heart lighter than a feather? How did he die? And what happens to

his friends?

Caryl Churchill’s seminal plays include Light Shining in Buckinghamshire (recently revived at

the NT), Cloud Nine, Top Girls, Serious Money, The Skriker, A Number and Love and

Information. Her new version of Strindberg’s A Dream Play was seen at the National in 2005.

Dominic Cooke is an Associate Director of the NT; his production of Ma Rainey’s Black

Bottom will open in the Lyttelton next January. He was Artistic Director of the Royal Court

from 2007 – 2013, where his productions included Caryl Churchill’s Identical Twins, This is a

Chair, Seven Jewish Children and Ding Dong the Wicked; and The Low Road, In the

Republic of Happiness, Choir Boy, Chicken Soup with Barley, Clybourne Park, Aunt Dan and

Lemon,The Fever, Wig Out!, Now or Later, The Pain and The Itch and Other People. He

directed The Comedy of Errors for the National Theatre in 2011; for the BBC, he has

directed the forthcoming The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses.

Press night: Friday 27 NovemberContact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 / mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk

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wonder.land Olivier TheatrePreviews from 23 November, press night 2 December, booking until 28 February with additional performances to be announced.

wonder.land, a new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, with music by

Damon Albarn and book and lyrics by Moira Buffini, is directed by Rufus Norris in a co-

production with Manchester International Festival; opening in the Olivier Theatre on 2

December. In June 2016, wonder.land will visit the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The

production has set designs by Rae Smith, with projections by 59 Productions, costumes by

Katrina Lindsay, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Arditti and choreography by

Javier De Frutos; the music supervisor is David Shrubsole and associate director, James

Bonas.

Welcome to wonder.land, where you can be exactly who you want to be. Aly, 12, loves this

extraordinary virtual world. Bullied at school and unhappy at home, wonder.land offers an

escape.

Online, Aly becomes Alice: brave, beautiful and in control. But some of the people she meets

– the weird Dum and Dee, the creepy Cheshire Cat, the terrifying Red Queen – seem

strangely familiar. And as hard as Aly tries to keep them apart, real life and wonder.land

begin to collide in ever more curious and dangerous ways.

Damon Albarn is a Grammy and Brit Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and

composer. His first full-length opera composition, Monkey: Journey to the West, created in

collaboration with Jamie Hewlett and Chen Shi Zheng, premiered at Manchester

International Festival in 2007. His second opera Dr Dee, co-created with Rufus Norris,

premiered at MIF in 2011. Albarn has written music for film soundtracks to 101 Reykjavik,

Ravenous and Broken. Releases outside of Blur and Gorillaz also include: Mali Music, The

Good The Bad and The Queen, Rocket Juice & The Moon, Africa Express Presents: Maison

Des Jeunes and his Mercury-nominated debut solo album Everyday Robots. Blur released

their new album, The Magic Whip, earlier this year.

Moira Buffini’s plays include Welcome to Thebes and Dinner for the National Theatre and A

Vampire Story for NT Connections; Handbagged for the Tricycle Theatre/Vaudeville (Olivier

Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre); Dying For It (adapted from

Nikolai Erdman’s The Suicide) and Marianne Dreams (adapted from Catherine Storr’s book)

for the Almeida Theatre; Loveplay for the RSC; and Silence for Birmingham Rep (Susan

Smith Blackburn Prize). Her screenplays include Tamara Drewe, Jane Eyre and Byzantium.

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She recently directed her first short film, Father. 

Rufus Norris became Director of the National Theatre in April; his NT productions are

Everyman, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, The Amen Corner, Table, London Road, Death

and the King's Horseman and Market Boy. His other work includes Feast, Vernon God Little

and Tintin for the Young Vic; the Olivier Award-winning Cabaret in the West End and on tour;

Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Broadway; Festen at the Almeida, West End and New York;

and Doctor Dee at the Manchester Festival in 2011 and ENO in 2012. Screen work includes

Broken, which won the British Independent Film Award for Best Film, and the film of London

Road which was released last month.

wonder.land is commissioned by Manchester International Festival, the National Theatre and the Théâtre du Châtelet.

The Official Make-Up Partner of wonder.land is M.A.C Cosmetics

The production is generously supported by Areté Foundation / Ed & Betsy Cohen, Beth & Gary Glynn and Leila Maw Straus.

Press night: Wednesday 2 DecemberContact: Susie Newbery on 020 7452 3061 / snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Temporary Theatre21 October – 6 November; suitable for children aged 8 – 12

Bijan Sheibani directs Shakespeare’s THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, in a new version by Ben

Power for young audiences aged 8 – 12, with daytime performances in the Temporary

Theatre from 21 October – 6 November.

A fast-paced and energetic re-telling of Shakespeare’s hilarious and moving farce.

In a city celebrating carnival, two sets of identical twins seek each other amidst a riot of

music and colour. Separated for many years, the brothers face comedic confusion, arrests,

and multiple mistaken identities before a final joyful reunion.

Family workshops will be available during half term; see nationaltheatre.org.uk/families.

Ben Power and Bijan Sheibani previously collaborated on a highly successful version of

Romeo and Juliet for young audiences at the Temporary Theatre. Ben Power’s work for the

for the NT also includes an adaptation of Ross Collins’ The Elephantom.

Bijan Sheibani has previously directed A Taste of Honey, Emil and the Detectives, The Kitchen

and Our Class for the National.

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Supported by The Ingram Trust, Archie Sherman Charitable Trust, Behrens Foundation, Goldsmiths’Company Charity, Jill and David Leuw.

Contact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 / mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk

SPILL Festival of Performance: Inextinguishable Fire Dorfman TheatreSunday 8 November at 5pm, suitable for ages 16+

A world premiere by internationally renowned artist Heather Cassils, marking the end of SPILL 2015, the international festival of live art, experimental theatre and activism. It formspart of a weekend of work taking place at the NT and the NT Studio and is a SPILL commission, presented by Pacitti Company in partnership with the National Theatre.

Engaging with the impossibility of representing trauma and violence, and borrowing techniques from Hollywood stunt performance, Cassils is lit on fire in a treacherous ‘full body burn’. This unique event is suitable for ages 16+. spillfestival.com

Contact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233 / mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk or Lauren Davis at lauren@pacitticompany.com

RIVER STAGE Riverside SquareFridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 24 July – 30 August

This summer the National Theatre presents an eclectic season of free outdoor entertainment on the River Stage, in front of the National on the newly created Riverside Square.

Events on the River Stage will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 24 July – 30 August. On Friday afternoons there will be street theatre followed by guest DJs; on Saturdays there will be live music in the afternoon and late evening; and Sundays are all about family fun, with dazzling circus, vibrant dance and intriguing installations.

Full details of the River Stage programme will be announced shortly and at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/riverstage

Contact: Susie Newbery on 020 7452 3061 / snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk

CASTING UPDATES

The full cast for Patrick Marber’s production of his own new version of Three Days in the Country, after Turgenev, opening in the Lyttelton on 28 July, is: Nigel Betts, Nicholas Bishop, Tom Burgering, Paige Carter, Amanda Drew, Mark Extance, Lynn Farleigh, Mark Gatiss, Debra Gillett, Gawn Grainger, Joshua Gringras, John Light, Matthew Lloyd Davies, Mateo Oxley, Debra Penny, Royce Pierreson, Cassie Raine, Lily Sacofsky, John Simm, Cherrelle Skeete, Joel Thomas and Lisa Tramontin.

Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, opens in the Olivier Theatre on 26 August, directed by Nadia Fall. The cast will include: Jonathan Coote, Matthew Cottle, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Peter Forbes, Jason Hughes (as Ralph Clark), Ellie James, Shalisha James-Davis, Paul Kaye, Ashley McGuire, Graeme McKnight, Jodie McNee, David Mara, Tadhg Murphy, Cyril Nri, Debra Penny and Lee Ross.

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People, Places and Things, Duncan Macmillan’s new play, opens in the Dorfman Theatre on 1 September. It will be directed by Jeremy Herrin and is a co-production with Headlong. The cast will include Denise Gough in the central role, with Jacob James Beswick, Alastair Cope, Jacqui Dubois, Barbara Marten, Nathaniel Martello-White and Kevin McMonagle.

Jane Eyre, a co-production with Bristol Old Vic, directed by Sally Cookson, devised by the company and based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, will have a cast including Benji Bower, Will Bower, Elly Condron, Craig Edwards, Laura Elphinstone, Felix Hayes, Richard Hurst, Phil King, Melanie Marshall, Simone Saunders, Maggie Tagney, Stevie Thompson, Joannah Tincey and Madeleine Worrall. Jane Eyre opens in the Lyttelton on 17 September, will be broadcast by NT Live on Tuesday 8 December and will return to Bristol Old Vic in January 2016 followed by a UK Tour.

BEYOND THE SOUTH BANK

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVEChiwetel Ejiofor plays the title role in EVERYMAN, adapted by Carol Ann Duffy and directed by Rufus Norris; it will be broadcast from the Olivier Theatre on 16 July.

Farquhar’s late Restoration comedy THE BEAUX’ STRATAGEM, directed by Simon Godwin, will be broadcast live to the UK and Europe on 3 September (and to the rest of the world on 24 September).

The Donmar Warehouse production of Shakespeare’s CORIOLANUS, with Tom Hiddleston in the title role, will have an encore screening in the UK on 24 September (and in the rest of the world from 12 November).

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title role in HAMLET, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and broadcast live from the Barbican on 15 October (varying dates internationally).

JANE EYRE, a co-production with Bristol Old Vic, directed by Sally Cookson, devised by the company and based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë, will be broadcast from the Lyttelton Theatre on 8 December.

Polly Findlay’s production of AS YOU LIKE IT, with Rosalie Craig as Rosalind, will be broadcast live from the Olivier Theatre on 25 February (varying dates internationally).

For venue information and booking details, please visit ntlive.comContact: Mary Parker on mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk or Martin Shippen on mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is now on a 31-city tour of the UK and Ireland until November 2015, with forthcoming visits to Truro, Oxford, Liverpool, Bristol, Sunderland, Glasgow, Leeds, Aberdeen, Norwich, Sheffield, Dublin, Belfast, Bath, Milton Keynes and a return visit to Salford. Curious Incident also continues its runs at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End and at the Barrymore Theatre in New York. Its official card partner is American Express.

WAR HORSE at the New London Theatre is now booking until February 2016. A Chinese-language production will open in September in Beijing and in November in Shanghai, as part of the NT’s new partnership with the National Theatre of China.

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Lyttelton LoungeThe latest project of the NT Future development, the Lyttelton Lounge, is now open: a place to explore the NT’s past and present, where visitors can browse exclusive digital content from the NT Archive, including interviews, prompt scripts and early recordings; and see related exhibitions of props, costumes and other objects from past and present productions. The current exhibition is on five plays by Tom Stoppard. Situated on the Lyttelton Circle level, the Lounge is free and open all day.

PLATFORMSAn eclectic programme of talks, discussions and interviews, offering the chance to learn more about the National’s work and the arts in general.6pm (45 mins), £4/£3 unless stated; BS = Platform followed by book signing

Connections Writers Mon 6 July, 6pm, LytteltonThe writers of this year’s Connections plays talk about their experiences of the festival.

We Want You To Talk Wed 8 July, post-show (1hr), Temporary TheatreA lively discussion about the modern-day impact of pornography on people’s physical and emotional relationships. Guests include Jerry Barnett, industry lobbyist and founder of Sex and Censorship; Pandora Blake, feminist porn performer; and Heather Brunskill-Evans, social theorist and founder member of Resist Porn Culture. Chaired by Helena Kennedy QC.

Chiwetel Ejiofor Wed 22 July, 3pm (1hr), Olivier, £5/£4The actor reflects on the challenges and rewards of playing the title role in Everyman.

Patrick Marber on Three Days in the Country Thu 30 July, 6pm, LytteltonThe director talks about his new version of Turgenev’s play.

Philippa Gregory Thu 13 August, 6pm, Lyttelton BSPhilippa Gregory discusses her new novel The Taming of the Queen; the story of Kateryn Parr, Henry VIII’s final wife, and the play from her time in court as Regent that may have inspired Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Turgenev’s Countryside Mon 17 August, 6pm, LytteltonAcademics Stephen Lovell and Cynthia Marsh explore the influence of the Russian countryside and landscape on the playwright’s work.

Michael Billington Fri 4 September, 6.30pm, Dorfman BSThe theatre critic discusses The 101 Greatest Plays, a personal selection from Ancient Greece to the present-day, and asks if greatness changes with time and circumstance. Chaired by Benedict Nightingale.

Meera Syal Thu 10 September, 6pm, Dorfman BSIn The House of Hidden Mothers, her new novel about female friendship, motherhood and love, the actor – last seen at the National in Behind the Beautiful Forevers – addresses topical themes of late parenthood and surrogacy. 

Lasdun’s Legacy Fri 11 September, 5.45pm (1hr), Olivier BSAlongside the exhibition, Concrete Reality, and a new book about the building, historian Barnabas Calder, architect Paddy Dillon and Catherine Croft, Director of The Twentieth Century Society, reflect on Denys Lasdun’s work on the National Theatre, while actors read extracts from the NT Building Committee minutes in the 1960s.

Frost: That Was The Life That Was Mon 14 September, 6.30pm, Dorfman BS

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David Frost was the only person to have interviewed every British Prime Minister since Harold Wilson as well as US Presidents, actors, royalty, musicians and sporting heroes from the last 50 years. Set amid turbulent world events, these encounters became moments of history themselves. His biographer Neil Hegarty, and his sons Miles, Wilfred and George Frost, celebrate the life of a man who didn't just report the news, he made the news. Chaired by Joan Bakewell.

Jeremy Herrin and Duncan Macmillan on People, Places and Things Fri 18 September, 6pm, Dorfman

The director and playwright discuss this new play.

On Pomona Thu 24 September, post-show, Temporary Theatre, freeDirector Ned Bennett and playwright Alistair McDowall talk to Dan Rebellato about the production.

Bound for Australia Wed 30 September, 6pm, OlivierLegal and social science historians, Michael Lobban and Deborah Oxley, discuss the convicts on the First Fleet in 1787, as depicted in Our Country’s Good, and the impact of penal transportation.

Sally Cookson on Jane Eyre Mon 5 October, 5.30pm, LytteltonDirector Sally Cookson talks about her adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel.

Nadia Fall and Timberlake Wertenbaker on Our Country’s GoodTue 6 October, 6pm, Olivier

The director and playwright discuss the new production.

Andrew Marr Fri 9 October, 6pm, Lyttelton BSThe broadcaster is joined by actors for a selection of readings from his new book, We British, illustrating how poetry of the past reflects the issues of today.

David Hare Mon 12 October, 6pm, Lyttelton BSDavid Hare discusses his memoir The Blue Touch Paper, which interweaves the history of the period from 1947 to Margaret Thatcher’s election, with the story of how he first became a writer for film and theatre.

Geraldine McEwan Remembered Fri 30 October, 6pm, DorfmanFriends and colleagues Rosalind Knight, Michael Ratcliffe and Alan Rickman join Richard Digby Day to celebrate the life and career of the much-loved actress, whose work ranged from Feydeau, Webster and Brecht to award-winning performances in The Rivals and The Way of the World at the National, as well as Miss Marple, Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit and The Barchester Chronicles on TV.

As You Like It on Screen Wed 4 November, 6pm, Temporary BSDaniel Rosenthal, author of 100 Shakespeare Films, looks at the enduring appeal of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, using clips from film and TV adaptations of the play. 

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Charlotte and Jane Fri 13 November, 5.30pm, Lyttelton BSCharlotte Bronte was a literary visionary, a feminist trailblazer and the driving force in her family, and in Jane Eyre she created a new kind of independent heroine. Her biographer Claire Harman and guests explore these very modern Victorian women.

Ian Rickson and Wallace Shawn on Evening at the Talk HouseWed 25 November, 6.30pm, Dorfman

The director and writer discuss the play.

Dominic Cooke on Here We Go Mon 30 November, 5.30pm, LytteltonDirector Dominic Cooke talks about Caryl Churchill’s new play.

Marianne Elliott and Ben Power on Husbands and SonsThu 3 December, 5.30pm, Dorfman

Ben Power discusses his adaptation of DH Lawrence’s trilogy with the director Marianne Elliott.

The Jocelyn Herbert Lecture: Sian Thomas – Lions and NightingalesFri 11 December, 6.30pm, Dorfman

While working on Tony Harrison's play The Kaisers of Carnuntum, designed by Jocelyn Herbert for a Roman amphitheatre outside Vienna, actor Sian Thomas had unique access to the extraordinary creative process and special relationship between this poet/director and designer. She talks about that experience, and her friendship with Herbert.

An Evening with Private Eye Mon 14 December, 5.45pm (1hr), Lyttelton BSThe annual treat for fans of the satirical magazine, as Editor Ian Hislop looks back on the past year with regular guests including Craig Brown, Harry Enfield, Jan Ravens and John Sessions.

The Theatre Quiz Tue 22 December, 5.30pm, Lyttelton A reinvented quiz, with new rounds and unexpected challenges, but the competition is a fierce as ever – so come and support your favourite team! With regular Quiz-mistress Emma Freud.

Roger Michell on Waste Mon 4 January, 6pm, Lyttelton Roger Michell discusses his new production of Granville Barker’s play.

Moira Buffini and Rufus Norris on wonder.land Tue 5 January, 6pm, OlivierThe playwright and director talk about the new musical version of Lewis Carroll’s book.

Polly Findlay on As You Like It Fri 8 January, 6pm, Olivier The director discusses her production of Shakespeare’s play.

Harley Granville Barker’s Agnes Colander Thu 14 January, 2.30pm (90mins), Lyttelton £5/£4

A rehearsed reading of an unpublished and unperformed three-act play, written between The Marrying of Ann Leete and The Voysey Inheritance, recently re-discovered by Colin Chambers; directed by Laurence Boswell, with members of the NT Company.(With permission of The Society of Authors as the Literary Representative of the Estate of Harley Granville Barker)

Visions of Alice                     Fri 29 January, 6pm, Olivier BSIn its 150th anniversary year, the story of Alice and her adventures remains relevant and also of its time. Illustrators and authors reflect on the many visual interpretations of the characters through the years. Guests include Gillian Beer, author of the new book Alice in Space, and

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Grahame Baker-Smith, illustrator of the Royal Mail’s anniversary Alice in Wonderland stamps.

AfterWordsInformal and lively post-show discussions bringing together people from the production with people from the real world of the play.Clore Learning Centre /Cottesloe Room; £4/£3 includes wine and soft drinks The Red LionFri 10 July People, Places and ThingsFri 9 OctoberEvening at the Talk HouseFri 27 November

Contact: Malika Isles on 020 7452 3236; misles@nationaltheatre.org.uk

LEARNINGNationaltheatre.org.uk/learnThe Clore Learning Centre is a dedicated centre at the heart of the NT for people of all ages to get involved in theatre and learn about every aspect of theatre-making, often direct from the artists and staff of the National Theatre. There are new courses and events for adults; regular workshops for families; and new programmes for schools and young people: all designed to inspire participants with the skills of our backstage production departments and the work on our stages.

For Adults : An eclectic programme for everyone from the first-timer to the expert. Develop a deeper understanding of the NT repertoire, or try your hand at a practical aspect of theatre-making. nationaltheatre.org.uk/adultlearning 

Everyman – Creating Music for Theatre Thur 16 July, 5.30 – 6.30pmWith William Lyons, composer and medieval music specialist.

Jane Eyre on Stage and Screen Fri 11 September, 4 – 5.30pmDr Hila Shachar (De Montfort University) on the many adaptations of this classic novel.

Russian Theatre at the National Theatre 14, 15, 21, 22 Sept, 6.30 – 9pmAn in-depth look at the NT’s rich history of staging Russian drama.

Workshop: Using Your Voice Tue 6 October, 10am – 4pmDiscover how to make the most of your voice with the NT Head of Voice, Jeannette Nelson.

In Context: Our Country’s Good Fri 9 October, 2 – 4.30pmExplores the genesis of the production, the themes and historical background. Speakers will include the play’s original director, Max Stafford-Clark (Out of Joint).

Workshop: Devising with Sally Cookson Mon 12 Oct, 10am – 4pmWork with director Sally Cookson and dramaturg Mike Akers on devising for the stage

In Depth: The Theatre of D H Lawrence    Thu 5 November, 10.30am – 4.30pmAn exploration of D H Lawrence’s plays with readings, talks and panel discussions.

In Context: As You Like It                                        Mon 8 Feb, 2 – 5pmAn in-depth introduction to As You Like It led by Dr. Abigail Rokison (Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham) with members of the company.

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In Context: Censorship in British Theatre            Fri 20 November, 2 – 5pmUntil 1968 the Lord Chamberlain’s Office censored all new plays and those considered unsuitable were refused a licence. A look at some well-loved plays initially thought too offensive by the censors.

In Context: The Virtual World on Stage                 Fri 15 Jan, 2 – 4.30pmAn exploration of the innovative ways playwrights, directors and designers have depicted a virtual realm on stage.

Summer School: Theatre-Making with Puppetry 10 – 13 August, 10.30am – 4.30pmDevelop puppetry skills in this hands-on and intensive course led by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié, co-directors of The Elephantom and puppetry directors for War Horse and The Light Princess. Materials included.

Introduction to Playwriting 7 Sept – 9 Nov, 2 – 5pm Learn to apply the basic elements of writing for the stage in this ten-week course, led by Evan Placey. Explore the key principles of dramatic writing including character, structure, story and dialogue. Using active writing exercises – on your feet, on the page and in your head – you will sharpen your tools for creating theatre. Applications close Monday 27 July, 12noon.

Developing your play 30 Sept – 9 Dec, 10am – 1pm A practical course for writers with some previous experience on developing the craft of playwriting, led by Jemma Kennedy. Applications close Monday 17 August, 12noon.

Our Country’s Good : The Transforming Power of Art 14 October, 10am – 4pmIn collaboration with the National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice.  Inspired by the NT production of Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, this event explores and celebrates the power of the arts in prisons. A day of keynote speakers, debate and sharing of practice and performance, for arts professionals, academics and practitioners who work in criminal justice settings as well as those with an interest in this work.

For Families:

Family workshops will run on the first Saturday of each month and on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer holidays. They are designed for children aged 6–12 and adults to enjoy together.  Discover the skills and secrets behind productions at the National Theatre; have a go at designing a costume or making a prop; or meet some of the team who work behind the scenes to bring NT productions to life. Friday 7 AugustStage Fighting 11am – 12.30pm Design and Make 11am – 1pmCreating Creatures 2.30 – 4.30pm Saturday 8 AugustDesign and Make 11am – 1pmCreating Creatures 2.30 – 4.30pm Friday 14 August Make a Play in a Day 9.45am – 4pmSaturday 15 AugustMaking Costume 11am – 1pm and 2.30 – 4.30pm

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Friday 21 AugustMake a Play in a Day 9.45am – 4pmSaturday 22 AugustPaper Puppetry 11am – 12.30pm and 2.30 – 4pm Friday 28 AugustWar Horse Puppetry 11am – 12.30pm and 2.30 – 4pmMaking Models 11am – 1pm and 2.30 – 4.30pmSaturday 29 AugustCreating Comedy 11am – 12.30pm and 2.30 – 4pmMaking Costume 11am – 1pm and 2.30 – 4.30pm

Ground Control 22, 23, 30 and 31 August Non Zero One present Ground Control, a unique interactive performance for 7 – 12 year olds. Further details on the website.

For Young People (16-21-year-olds): An exciting mix of Q&As, short courses, skills workshops, talks and events.Stage Combat Course 3 – 5 August, 10 – 4pm  How do you choreograph and perform a convincing fight without getting a bloody nose or a black eye?Creative Development Week 24 – 30 AugustA chance for creative young people to experiment with how to make performance, with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari from Shunt. Applications close Monday 27 July 10am.Q&A: How to... start to writing a play 7 September, 6 – 7pmHow do you make a start? Where do you find ideas and inspiration? Put your questions to writer Evan Placey. Q&A:The Red Lion Talkback with Patrick Marber 15 September, 6 – 7pmLove the beautiful game and pretty keen on theatre too? Put your questions about football, theatre and more to writer Patrick Marber. Q&A: How to... be a Stage Manager 28 September, 5 – 6pmIf you are a natural leader, good with people and super-organised, then maybe Stage Management is your dream job. Find out more.Introduction to Playwriting Course 26 – 28 October, 10 – 5pmWant to learn how to create characters, story, dialogue and develop your own ideas? This three-day course, led by Evan Placey, will equip you with the tools to start writing for stage. Special Effects Make-up Course 5, 12, 19 & 26 November, 5 – 8pmLearn the basics of creating make-up effects like cuts, bruises and burns using every-day items.Stage Management Course 27 Oct, 3, 10 & 17 November, 5 – 8pmWork with professional stage managers and find out about the huge variety of jobs done by a Stage Management team. For Secondary Schools and Colleges:

National Theatre: On Demand in Schools will launch this autumn, with three acclaimed, NT productions made available free in every secondary school classroom in the UK. Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating the roles of Frankenstein and the Creature; and Nicholas Hytner’s productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with Rory Kinnear, and Othello with Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear, will be free to stream on demand in the classroom for three years from September 2015. Comprehensive learning resources will support each play, and the recordings will be chaptered so teachers can find key scenes or show the full production over a number of lessons. The project is delivered in partnership with Frog Education Ltd, and supported by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Sidney E. Frank Foundation.

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Our Country’s Good Sixth Form Conference       Tues 29 September, Olivier TheatreA series of on-stage talks and masterclasses with members of the company, the creative team and academic speakers. 

Creative Choices Friday 4 DecemberAn insight into the range of career opportunities backstage and off-stage – from costume and props to marketing and front of house. Suitable for KS4+. Free event for London state schools.

Shakespeare Student Conference Tuesday 26 January, Olivier TheatreA series of onstage talks and masterclasses exploring Shakespeare’s comedies for KS4 and KS5 students, with members of the As You Like It company and creative team and academic speakers.

Technical Theatre MasterclassesAn insight into professional practice for Technical Theatre and Production Arts students with leading technicians, artists and designers.Paule Constable Lighting Masterclass Monday 1 February

Next Stage Days: a chance for students bring a piece of work in progress to the NT and get specialist input on voice and movement from NT staff and artists.

Workshops, designed to support drama and theatre studies at KS3, KS4 and post-16, are available on acting, directing or design and can focus on any production in the current NT repertoire.

Archive Learning Days: free sessions exploring key NT productions and genres.

For Primary Schools:

Make Theatre Days An active and exciting introduction to theatre making and the backstage world of the National Theatre for Years 4 – 6I Want My Hat Back A creative learning programme for Nursery and Primary Schools combining CPD for teachers and classroom resources with tickets to a performance of I Want My Hat Back.The Comedy of ErrorsAn in-depth creative learning programme for Primary Schools with a focus on literacy for Years 4 – 6 accompanies the production.

Contact: Martin Shippen on mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk

ENDS6 July 2015

Booking information:Public booking As You Like It, Husbands & Sons, Waste, Evening at the Talk House, Here We Go, I Want My Hat Back and The Comedy of Errors opens on 20 July, and for Inextinguishable Fire on 1 September.

Book tickets online at nationaltheatre.org.uk Box Office: 020 7452 3000Twitter: @nationaltheatre #NTnewseasonFacebook: national.theatre.londonYouTube: NationalTheatre

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THE NATIONAL’S SPONSORS

The National Theatre would appreciate an acknowledgement in the body of the text and/or as a separate footnote following editorial copy.

The National Theatre is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Travelex £15 Tickets sponsored by

The National Theatre is working in partnership with American Express

NT Future is supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch

The National Theatre’s photographic images partner is Corbis

National Theatre Learning is supported by Goldman Sachs

The National Theatre’s UK touring hotel partner is Intercontinental Hotels Group

The National Theatre is a J.P. Morgan Partner

The Dorfman Partner is Neptune Investment Management

A National Theatre IT partner is Nimble Storage

The National Theatre’s pouring partner is Nyetimber

The National Theatre’s partner for Lighting and Energy is Philips The official hotel partner of the National Theatre is Radisson Blu Edwardian

National Theatre Live’s 4K Technology Partner is Sony Digital Cinema

The National Theatre wishes to acknowledge its partner National Angels Limited

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THE NATIONAL’S REPERTOIRE as of 6 July 2015NATIONAL THEATRE PRESS OFFICETel: 020 7452 3235 Fax: 020 7452 3230 Email press@nationaltheatre.org.uk

PLAY THEATRE PRESS NIGHT CONTACTEVERYMAN Olivier 29 April Mary ParkerTHE BEAUX’ STRATAGEM

Olivier 26 May Susie Newbery

THE RED LION Dorfman 10 June Mary ParkerWE WANT YOU TO WATCH

Temporary Theatre 15 June Susie Newbery

THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT

Lyttelton 17 June Martin Shippen

AN OAK TREE Temporary Theatre From 23 June Susie NewberyBRAINSTORM Temporary Theatre 22 July Susie NewberyTHREE DAYS IN THE COUNTRY

Lyttelton Theatre 28 July Martin Shippen

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD

Olivier Theatre 26 August Mary Parker

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Dorfman Theatre 1 September Martin Shippen /Clióna Roberts

POMONA Temporary Theatre 14 September Martin ShippenJANE EYRE Lyttelton Theatre 17 September Susie NewberyHUSBANDS & SONS Dorfman Theatre 27 October Martin ShippenAS YOU LIKE IT Olivier Theatre 3 November Mary ParkerWASTE Lyttelton Theatre 10 November Susie NewberyI WANT MY HAT BACK

Temporary Theatre 16 November Martin Shippen

EVENING AT THE TALK HOUSE

Dorfman Theatre 24 November Mary Parker

HERE WE GO Lyttelton Theatre 27 November Mary ParkerWONDER.LAND Olivier Theatre 2 December Susie NewberyTHE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Temporary Theatre From 21 October Mary Parker

RIVER STAGE Riverside Square 24 July – 30 August Susie NewberyWAR HORSE New London Theatre Nada Zakula &

Alessandra D’AlmoTHE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Gielgud Theatre

UK tour

Nada Zakula & Alessandra D’Almo

PLATFORMS Malika IslesCLORE LEARNING CENTRE

Lucinda Morrison & Martin Shippen

Lucinda Morrison, Head of Press: lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3232Mary Parker, Senior Press Officer: mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3234Martin Shippen, Press Manager: mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3233Susie Newbery, Press Officer: snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3061Malika Isles, Press Assistant: misles@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3236. Nada Zakula, Head of Press War Horse/Curious Incident nzakula@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3046Alessandra D’Almo, Press Assistant War Horse/Curious Incident adalmo@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3163Clióna Roberts: cliona@crpr.co.uk 020 7704 6224

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