13th September 2017
Much is being written about the truly extraordinary achievements of Sir Peter Hall, whose death at the age of 86 has been announced. Mark Lawson's piece for the Guardian is already a highlight: deeply informed, admiring but far from uncritical. And more
23rd April 2017
Although I am posting more links on weekdays, Sunday is the day for a miscellany, which is what I offer here with thanks to those who alerted me to many.
• The real madman: Masha Gessen on Putin and Tr*mp
more
30th December 2016
For the end of the annus horribilis of 2016, here is our third list of five cultural highlights from the past year. Each of the five of us at Illuminations has chosen five things, whether movies, television series, books, exhibitions or whatever,
more
20th December 2016
We are thrilled to announce that Richard II directed by Deborah Warner with Fiona Shaw as the king is now available on our DVD label and can be purchased here for £17.99. Twenty years ago we produced this television version of
more
2nd November 2013
Far be it from me to rain on the National Theatre's fiftieth birthday parade, but allow me to make a few slightly-less-than-gushing remarks about the recent two-part Arena documentary and tonight's compilation album of extracts. (The two films are on
more
5th June 2013
Eugene O'Neill's remarkable play Strange Interlude opened at the National Theatre today to some strong reviews. Michael Billington for the Guardian praises the 'excellent' production (directed by Simon Godwin) and awards the evening 4 stars. Even at
more
5th January 2012
The National Video Archive of Performance (NVAP) is a great and glorious resource - and shamefully little-known. Thanks to a generous agreement with theatre unions (which permits taping without the payment of fees to artistes and others), the
more