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Nicholas Hytner reads his memoir about running The National Theatre, describing a typical day as theatre director.

Nicholas Hytner tells the inside story of 12 years at the helm of Britain's greatest theatre.

It鈥檚 a tale of lunatic failures and spectacular successes like The History Boys, War Horse and One Man, Two Guvnors. Plus it's about 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鈥檚 also about probing Shakespeare from every angle and reinventing the classics, plus 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 describes his typical day as the theatre's director.

Producer: Simon Richardson.

First broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio 4 in May 2017.

16 days left to listen

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 5 May 2026 03:30

Credits

Role Contributor
Reader Nicholas Hytner
Author Nicholas Hytner
Producer Simon Richardson

Broadcasts

  • Mon 1 May 2017 09:45
  • Tue 2 May 2017 00:30
  • Mon 30 Nov 2020 14:00
  • Tue 1 Dec 2020 02:00
  • Mon 4 May 2026 08:30
  • Mon 4 May 2026 13:30
  • Mon 4 May 2026 19:30
  • Tue 5 May 2026 03:30