National Theatre: November 2012 to April 2013

Antony Sher plays the title role in THE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK, directed by Adrian Noble in the Olivier
Marianne Elliott directs Simon Stephens’ PORT in the Lyttelton
THIS HOUSE moves to the Olivier Theatre
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME transfers to the West End
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS continues its UK and international tour
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE presents The Magistrate, People and THIS HOUSE

THE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK Olivier Theatre

Previews from 29 January, press night 5 February, in repertoire until 4 April

Antony Sher plays the title role in THE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK by Carl Zuckmayer, in a new English version by Ron Hutchinson, opening in the Olivier Theatre on 5 February, directed by Adrian Noble. The cast also includes Sandy Batchelor, Paul Bentall, Jason Cheater, Paul Chequer, Alan David, Robert Demeger, James Hayes, Barnaby Kay, David Killick, Siobhán McSweeney, Nick Malinowski, Anthony O’Donnell, Olivia Poulet, Iris Roberts, Nick Sampson, Adrian Schiller, Robin Weaver, Joseph Wilkins and Lynne Wilmot. The production will be designed by Anthony Ward, with lighting by Neil Austin, music by Steven Edis, movement by Sue Lefton, fight direction by Malcolm Ranson and sound by Mic Pool.

Released after fifteen years in prison, trapped in a bureaucratic maze, petty criminal Wilhelm Voight wanders 1910 Berlin in desperate, hazardous pursuit of identity papers. Luck changes when he picks up an abandoned military uniform in a fancy-dress shop and finds the city ready to obey his every command. At the head of six soldiers, he marches to the Mayor’s office, cites corruption and confiscates the treasury with ease. But still what he craves is official recognition that he exists.

A nation heads blindly towards war as the misfit takes on the state in Ron Hutchinson’s savagely funny new version of Carl Zuckmayer’s play, first staged in Germany in 1931.

Antony Sher’s recent appearances at the National include Travelling Light and his own adaptation of Primo Levi’s ‘If this is a Man’, Primo, which transferred to New York and for which he won the Outer Critics’ Circle and Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Solo Performance; the production was also filmed and he received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor. His extensive stage credits also include, most recently, Freud in Terry Johnson’s Hysteria for Theatre Royal, Bath; Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass in the West End; Tomas Stockmann in An Enemy of the People (Sheffield Crucible); and the title role in Kean (West End). His many leading roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company include Prospero, Iago, Macbeth, Leontes, Cyrano de Bergerac, Shylock, Tamburlaine, Henry Carr in Travesties, Shylock, Tartuffe, Molière and Richard III for which he won the Evening Standard and Olivier Awards for Best Actor. His previous NT appearances include Stanley (Olivier Award for Best Actor), Titus Andronicus, Uncle Vanya, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, The Trial and True West. His many screen credits include The Shadowline, Disraeli in Mrs Brown (Evening Standard Film Awards: Peter Sellers Award for Comedy), Hitler in Churchill: The Hollywood Years, and Gerald Ballantyne in Home. A distinguished writer, novelist and artist,Antony Sher received a knighthood in 2000.

Ron Hutchinson’s many plays include Rat in the Skull, The Dillen, The Mysteries, Moonlight and Magnolias, Durand’s Line (part of the Tricycle Theatre’s ‘The Great Game’ cycle), Calculated Risk (for the Tricycle’s cycle on British nuclear weapons policy), Dead on her Feet and Paisley and Me. His television work includes the Emmy-winning Murderers Among Us: The Simon Wiesenthal Story.

THE CAPTAIN OF KÖPENICK is Adrian Noble’s first production for the National Theatre. Artistic Director of the RSC from 1990 – 2003, his recent work includes The Tempest and Hedda Gabler for Theatre Royal, Bath; The King’s Speech (UK tour); Inherit the Wind and As You Like It for The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego where he is Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director; and Hamlet at the Stratford, Ontario Shakespeare Festival.

PORT Lyttelton Theatre

Previews from 22 January, press night 28 January, in repertoire until 24 March

Marianne Elliott directs PORT by Simon Stephens, opening in the Lyttelton on 28 January 2013; with designs by Lizzie Clachan, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Damon Gough (also known as Badly Drawn Boy) and sound by Ian Dickinson. The cast will include John Biggins, Calum Callaghan, Jack Deam, Danny Kelly, Mike Noble, Kate O’Flynn, Katherine Pearce and Liz White.

Stockport, 1988. It’s midnight. Rachel, eleven, and Billy, six, wait in the car in agitated excitement. Their mother is at her wits’ end with all their chatter and fighting and dreams of Disneyland. She is about to leave them for good. Their father, drunk in the flat above, has locked the door. It’s a pivotal moment, the beginning of a thirteen-year odyssey for two kids, largely abandoned and growing up in the deprived suburban shadows of Manchester, a city that felt itself to be the most exciting in the world.

A richly colourful portrait of a town with the everyday writ large, Simon Stephens’ PORT is a celebration of the human spirit as Rachel, through sheer courage and despite an economic and political climate that pushes her into the very margins, looks to the future and opts for love and life and for something better.

The world premiere of PORT at the Royal Exchange, Manchester in 2002 was directed by Marianne Elliott, who has since directed at the NT Simon Stephens’ Harper Regan and his adaptation of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which transfers to the West End in March. Simon Stephens’ many other plays include On the Shore of the Wide World (NT co-production with Royal Exchange: Olivier Award for Best New Play), Morning,Three Kingdoms, Wastwater, Punk Rock, Seawall, Pornography, Country Music, Christmas and Herons; and A Thousand Stars Explode in the Sky (co-written with Robert Holman and David Eldridge).

Marianne Elliott is an Associate Director at the National, where her productions also include Season’s Greetings, All’s Well That Ends Well, Saint Joan (Olivier Award for Best Revival, South Bank Show Award for Theatre), Pillars of the Community (Evening Standard Award for Best Director); and the award-winning War Horse (co-directed with Tom Morris).

THIS HOUSE Olivier Theatre

Previews from 23 February, press night 28 February, continuining in repertoire

National Theatre Live broadcast on 16 May

Following a sell-out run in the Cottesloe, James Graham’s highly acclaimed new play THIS HOUSE will transfer to the Olivier Theatre from 23 February 2013. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production is designed by Rae Smith with lighting design by Paule Constable, music by Stephen Warbeck, choreography by Scott Ambler and sound by Ian Dickinson. Original cast members continuing with their roles include Gunnar Cauthery, Phil Daniels, Charles Edwards, Vincent Franklin, Christopher Godwin, Andrew Havill, Ed Hughes, Helena Lymbery, Lauren O’Neil, Matthew Pidgeon. Richard Ridings, Giles Taylor, Tony Turner, Rupert Vansittart and Julian Wadham. THIS HOUSE will also be broadcast to cinemas worldwide by National Theatre Live on 16 May (see page 5).

1974. TheUKfaces economic crisis and a hung parliament. In a culture hostile to cooperation, it’s a period when votes are won or lost by one, when there are fist fights in the bars and when sick MPs are carried through the lobby to register their vote. It’s a time when a staggering number of politicians die, and the building creaks under idiosyncrasies and arcane traditions.

Set in the engine rooms of Westminster, This House strips politics down to the practical realities of those behind the scenes: the whips who roll up their sleeves and on occasion bend the rules to shepherd and coerce a diverse chorus of MPs within the Mother of all Parliaments.

James Graham won the Pearson Playwriting Bursary in 2006 and went on to win the Catherine Johnson Award for Best Play of 2007 for Eden‘s Empire. His plays also include Tory Boyz for the National Youth Theatre and The Whisky Taster at the Bush Theatre.

Jeremy Herrin is Associate Director of the RoyalCourtTheatre. His recent credits include Absent Friends (Harold Pinter Theatre), Uncle Vanya (Chichester), Death and the Maiden (Comedy Theatre), David Hare’s South Downs (Chichester and West End) and Children’s Children (Almeida).

The original production of This House was sponsored by the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Partner, Neptune Investment Management.

BEYOND THE SOUTH BANK

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Marianne Elliott’s much-acclaimed production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens will transfer to the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1, from 1 March, with a press night on Tuesday 12 March, booking until 25 May.

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS on tour to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales; Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong

Actor, stand-up comedian and presenter Rufus Hound leads the cast in Nicholas Hytner’s five-star award-winning production of Richard Bean’s ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS for its second UK tour this autumn. He will play the lead role of Francis Henshall at all the regional tour dates with the exception of Venue Cymru, Llandudno (2 – 5 January) and Wales Millennium, Cardiff (22 – 26 January), where Welsh-born Owain Arthur, who is currently appearing as Francis Henshall in the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors, will play the role. The tour visits Leicester Curve (25 Oct – 3 Nov), Newcastle Theatre Royal (6 – 10 Nov), Glasgow Theatre Royal (13 – 17 Nov), Belfast Grand Opera (20 – 24 Nov), Blackpool Grand (27 Nov – 1 Dec), Norwich Theatre Royal (4 – 8 Dec), Leeds Grand (11 – 15 Dec), The Lowry, Salford (8 – 19 Jan) and Nottingham Theatre Royal (29 Jan – 2 Feb. This second UK tour will play alongside the show’s West End run, where it is currently booking at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket until January 2013.

Following its UK tour, the production tours internationally with Owain Arthur leading the cast, visiting the Hong Kong Festival (15 – 23 February), the Adelaide Festival (28 February – 9 March), the Auckland Festival (14 – 23 March), Sydney Theatre (30 March – 11 May) and Melbourne Arts Centre (17 May – 29 June).

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE

The fourth season of National Theatre Live broadcasts continues Pinero’s The Magistrate (17 January); Alan Bennett’s PEOPLE (21 March); and James Graham’s THIS HOUSE (16 May). The recent broadcasts of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Last of the Haussmans achieved record UK audiences, with almost 250 UK cinemas and performing arts venues now hosting the broadcasts. Over one million people worldwide have now seen a National Theatre Live broadcast in 24 countries.

National Theatre Live is supported by Aviva. For venue information and booking details, please visit www.ntlive.com

PRODUCTION AND CASTING UPDATES

PEOPLE

The cast for Alan Bennett’s PEOPLE, opening in the Lyttelton on 7 November, is led by Frances de la Tour, Selina Cadell and Linda Bassett, with: Frances Ashman, Ellie Burrow, Philip Childs, Jack Chissick, Giles Cooper, Carole Dance, Andy de la Tour, Peter Egan, Miles Jupp, Barbara Kirby, Nicholas le Prevost, Jess Murphy, Alastair Parker, Robin Pearce and Alexander Warner. The production is directed by Nicholas Hytner.

THE MAGISTRATE

Timothy Sheader’s production of Pinero’s farce The Magistrate opens in the Olivier Theatre on 14 November. John Lithgow plays the title role; joining him in the cast are: Nicholas Blane, Nicholas Burns, Nancy Carroll, Tamsin Carroll, Alexander Cobb, Christina Cole, Jonathan Coy, Richard Freeman. Don Gallagher, Amy Griffiths, Joshua Lacey, Christopher Logan, Nicholas Lumley, Joshua Manning, Joshua McGuire, Sean McKenzie, Sarah Ovens, Peter Polycarpou, Beverly Rudd, Roger Sloman and Jez Unwin.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

The cast for Katie Mitchell’s production of HANSEL AND GRETEL, written by Lucy Kirkwood and devised by Katie Mitchell and Lucy Kirkwood, based on the story by the Brothers Grimm, is: Ruby Bentall, Kate Duchêne, Dylan Kennedy, Justin Salinger and Amit Shah. Hansel and Gretel opens in the Cottesloe on 13 December.

PLATFORMS

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/platforms
6pm (45 mins), £4/£3 unless stated; BS = Platform followed by booksigning

Tom Cairns on Scenes from an Execution Mon 12 Nov, Lyttelton

The director discusses his new production with Genista McIntosh.

Howard Barker Tue 13 Nov, Lyttelton BS

The writer of Scenes from an Execution talks to Mark Brown about his work.

Life Saving: Josephine Hart’s Introduction to Great Poets Wed 14 Nov, Lyttelton

As Josephine Hart’s illuminating introductions are published posthumously, actors including Fiona Shaw read her selection of British and Irish verse.

Phil Redmond Mon 19 Nov, Cottesloe BS

Mid-Term Report is the story of a working class lad from Liverpool, who created Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks, and became one of the most influential producers and screenwriters in modern TV history.

Edna O’Brien Tue 20 Nov, Cottesloe BS

In Country Girl, the author reflects on a literary life of high drama, which began in 1960 with her controversial first novel, The Country Girls. Chaired by Mark Lawson.

Alan Bennett Wed 21 Nov, Lyttelton

Alan Bennett reads from his work, and talks about his new play, People.

Rupert Goold and Lucy Prebble on The Effect Fri 23 Nov, Cottesloe

The director and playwright discuss this co-production between the NT and Headlong. Chaired by Dan Rebellato.

Ray Cooney Tue 27 Nov, Cottesloe BS

Marking his 80th birthday and his 66-year career, including the play Run for Your Wife, the comedy writer talks to Roger Foss, author of May the Farce Be With You.

The Political Dairy Wed 28 Nov, Cottesloe BS

Chris Mullin, former MP, diarist and author of A Very British Coup, joins Ruth Winstone, editor of Events, Dear Boy, Events, a compilation of 20th-century political diarists, to discuss Britain’s political triumphs and disasters. Chaired by Genista McIntosh.

An Evening with Private Eye Mon 3 Dec, 5.45pm (1hr) £5/£4, Olivier BS

Ian Hislop takes a satirical look at the events and people of 2012 with Craig Brown, Harry Enfield, Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens and John Sessions.

Michael Morpurgo Wed 5 Dec, Olivier BS

The author talks about his life and work with his biographer, Maggie Fergusson, and reads a new autobiographical short story from War Horse to War Child

John Lithgow Mon 10 Dec, Olivier BS

Currently appearing in The Magistrate, the actor, musician and author talks to Nicholas Hytner about his career, which includes Dexter on TV, and the Shrek films.

Theatre Quiz Mon 17 Dec, Olivier

The annual battle for theatrical knowledge between two competing teams from NT companies, hosted by quizmistress Emma Freud.

Philip Pullman Wed 2 Jan, Olivier BS

Philip Pullman talks about his approach to retelling the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm in his new version of the stories, Grimm’s Tales for Young and Old, as Hansel and Gretel plays in the Cottesloe.

Timothy Sheader on The Magistrate Fri 4 Jan, Olivier

The director discusses his production of Pinero’s farce.

Mark Rylance Mon 7 Jan, Cottesloe BS

The actor, director and writer reads from and talks about his first play, I Am Shakespeare.

The Annual Jocelyn Herbert Lecture Christopher Hampton – Simplifying the Jungle Fri 11 Jan, Olivier

Christopher Hampton, whose screenplays include Dangerous Liaisons and Atonement, worked with Jocelyn Herbert on two of his plays. He gives a playwright’s perspective on the role of the designer in the theatre.

Jonathan Miller Mon 14 Jan, Cottesloe BS

The director, author, broadcaster, humorist and sculptor talks to Kate Bassett, author of In Two Minds: A Biography of Jonathan Miller.

Ian Kelly Tue 15 Jan, Cottesloe BS

The actor and historian discusses Mr Foote’s Other Leg, the riotously true story of the one-legged comedian and ‘Oscar Wilde’ of the Georgian stage, Samuel Foote.

Steven Berkoff Tue 22 Jan, Cottesloe BS

The actor, director, writer and playwright talks to Geoffrey Colman about a new collection of his one-act plays – sharply written, shocking and endlessly surprising.

Andy de la Tour Tue 5 Feb, Cottesloe BS

In his book Stand-up or Die, the actor currently appearing in People takes us on a journey into the gritty underground New York comedy circuit. He discusses the experience with Miles Jupp.

Marianne Elliot and Simon Stephens on Port Thu 7 Feb, Lyttelton

The director and playwright talk to Rachel Cooke about the new production.

Benedict Nightingale Fri 8 Feb, Cottesloe BS

The former Times theatre critic is joined by Michael Billington to discuss Great Moments in Theatre, his entertaining tour through theatrical openings from Oedipus Rex to Jerusalem, including Plenty and Arcadia at the NT.

Adrian Noble on The Captain of Köpenick Tue 5 Mar, Olivier

The director talks about his production.

James Graham and Jeremy Herrin on This House Tue 19 Mar, Olivier

The writer and director discuss the production with Christopher Campbell as it transfers from the Cottesloe.

In Conversation with… 3pm (1hr), £5/£4

Afternoon interviews with members of the company, talking to Al Senter

about their current role and career, and answering your questions.

Fiona Shaw Wed 14 Nov, Lyttelton

Billie Piper Mon 7 Jan, Cottesloe

FREE EXHIBITIONS

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/exhibitions

Dazzle

Olivier Exhibition Space, 5 November – 6 January

Dazzle returns for the annual Christmas selling exhibition of jewellery, silversmithing and printmaking. The largest show of its kind in Europe, Dazzle is remarkable for the variety of materials on show beyond the usual precious metals and stones. This year, they include wood, paper, plastics and even Whitby jet – Jacqueline Cullen is the world’s leading exponent of this material. And Heather Woof has a totally new take on the refractory metal titanium that is causing a sensation among jewellery collectors. Over the years the exhibition has become a must-see for lovers of designer jewellery and all items are for sale.

Take a View – Landscape Photographer of the Year 2012

Lyttelton Exhibition Space, 12 November – 12 January

See the winning pictures from the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2012 for the first time. Over 100 stunning photographs, celebrating some of the very best landscapes in the UK, will be on display from this popular annual competition, now in its sixth year. A full colour book will also be available from the NT Bookshop. This year’s Awards are held in association with Network Rail, with the exhibition sponsored by Epson UK.

Seeing landscape – Photographer and awards founder, Charlie Waite, will be giving talks on his own personal approach to photography plus guided tours of the exhibition. Dates to be announced, please check website for details.

Echoes of a Vanished World: A Lifetime in Pictures, by Robin Hanbury-Tenison

Olivier Exhibition Space, 14 January – 10 March

Robin Hanbury-Tenison, the “greatest explorer of the last twenty years” (Sunday Times) is also one of the founders of Survival International. As such, he has been a tireless champion of the rights of indigenous peoples and, in the early years of his travels, an obsessive photographer of their homelands as they were eroded by the modern world.

Release issued by: National Theatre press office