NHB authors at Hay Festival 2014
Three Nick Hern Books authors will be appearing at this year's Hay Festival, which runs from 22 May - 1 June 2014.
- Richard Eyre on Shakespeare's 450th and The Hollow Crown - more information here
- David Edgar delivers the Houseman Lecture - more information here
- Mark Rylance reads from Paul Kingsnorth's novel The Wake - more information here
Tickets can be booked via the links above.
Shakespeare in 100 Objects - lunchtime lecture and public launch
A public lecture and launch party to celebrate the publication of Shakespeare in 100 Objects.
As we celebrate the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, the Victoria and Albert Museum's new Head of Research, Professor Bill Sherman, goes in search of the Bard.
Shakespeare is one of the few major figures from the arts and sciences whose name or portrait does not appear on the walls of the V&A, and yet his presence is everywhere in the collections and the lives of those who created them.
Where: The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
When: Wednesday 30 April, 13.00 - 13.45
This event will be followed by a public tea party to celebrate the launch of Shakespeare in 100 Objects on the Lecture Theatre Landing, 13.45 - 14.15.
West End Producer at the National Theatre Bookshop
Want to meet genuine theatrical impressario and cult Twitter phenomenon West End Producer? Well, now's your chance!
He'll be appearing at the National Theatre Bookshop on London's South Bank on Saturday, 5 April between 1:00-3:00pm, signing copies of his hilarious book Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Acting (But Were Afraid to Ask, Dear), a witty guide to everything you need to know to get ahead in showbusiness.
As an added bonus, everyone who buys a copy of the book will get a free Actors' Alphabet A3 poster (while stocks last).
Do come along - it'll be a scream, dear.
Get a taste of the book on our blog: read WEP on auditions, or WEP on the secret to first-night presents.
'Devising for Drama Teachers' - Joss Bennathan at Perform 2014
Join Theatre Director and Drama Advisor Joss Bennathan, author of Making Theatre: The Frazzled Drama Teacher's Guide to Devising, for tips and strategies on managing a process that is often demanding, difficult and challenging for teachers and students alike. Part of the Drama UK series.
For more information on this workshop, and to book tickets, click here.
'Auditioning for drama school' - Andy Johnson at Perform 2014
Maximise your chances at auditions with Andy Johnson, author of The Excellent Audition Guide. As part of the Drama UK series, learn more about auditioning for Drama School and discover top tips on how to be the best you can be.
For more information on this workshop, and to book tickets, click here.
West End Producer at Surviving Actors 2014
The anonymous theatre impresario and Twitter sensation is ready to share all he's learnt about how to get ahead in showbusiness. There will be essential advice on everything you need to know in order to survive as an actor, including tips on wooing casting directors, infallible methods for learning your lines and the correct way to bow at the curtain call. There will be lashings of theatre gossip and a certain amount of naughtiness. Do come along – it’ll be a scream, dear.
The event will be followed by a book signing of West End Producer's book Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Acting (But Were Afraid To Ask, Dear). Copies will be available at a special discount.
Barbara Houseman at Surviving Actors 2014
The renowned voice, text and acting coach shows you techniques for developing a strong, flexible and expressive voice, including how to create a short warm-up and work-out to make the most of your voice.
Barbara Houseman has worked at the RSC, Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Young Vic and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, as well as one-to-one with many well-known actors. She is the author of Finding Your Voice and Tackling Text [and subtext], published by Nick Hern Books.
The event will be followed by a book signing of Barbara Houseman's two books, which will be available at a special discount.
Lucy Kerbel, '100 Great Plays for Women' at Ferment Fortnight
Director and writer Lucy Kerbel discusses her new book, which sets out to dispel the myth that there aren't any good plays for women.
100 Great Plays for Women is an inspiring guide to plays that put female performers squarely centre stage. Women buy the majority of theatre tickets, make up half the acting profession and are often the largest cohort of any youth theatre or drama club. And yet they have traditionally been underrepresented on stage. Lucy's book seeks to address this gap.
Part of Bristol Old Vic's Ferment Fortnight 2014. Tickets are £5 - to book click here.
Max Stafford-Clark In Conversation at the Royal Court Theatre
Join director Max Stafford-Clark, the founder and director of Out of Joint and former Artistic Director of the Royal Court, in discussion with the Royal Court’s Literary Manager, Christopher Campbell.
Max’s new book, Journal of the Plague Year, looks at the year that followed the major round of Arts Council funding cuts from the perspective of one of the UK’s most influential and independent-minded theatre directors. It also offers an insight into how theatre is programmed, planned and made; and includes fascinating personal anecdotes and elements of autobiography.
This is a free but ticketed event, followed by a book signing. To book tickets, visit the Royal Court's website here or call the Box Office on 020 7565 5000.
Silver Ticket Giveaway - Jumpers for Goalposts
Looking for the Silver Ticket Giveaway? Click here.
National Theatre Platform: Lucy Kerbel on 100 Great Plays for Women
Director and writer Lucy Kerbel discusses her new book, which sets out to dispel the myth that there aren’t any good plays for women. Chaired by Kate Mosse.
For more information, and to book tickets, visit the National Theatre's website.
Mike Alfreds Workshop and Book Launch, University of Surey
The School of Arts at the University of Surrey is delighted to be hosting the award-winning theatre director, Mike Alfreds on the 16th of October. Mike is perhaps best known as the founder of influential company, Shared Experience and for his role as Artistic Director of Method & Madness, as well as for his work with the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe. He will be leading a workshop and hosting a book launch on this date.
Workshop for actors led by Mike Alfreds
Open to observers, 3-6pm – no booking required - University Hall
Strongly based on his new book - Then What Happens? Storytelling & Adapting for the Theatre – Mike Alfreds will lead a workshop on storytelling, focussing on Point of View. The workshop is open to University of Surrey participants only, but is open to the public for observation. There is no need to book a place as an observer, but please be sure to be there on time as late-comers will not be admitted.
Drinks & book launch
6-7pm - no booking required - Lecture Theatre Foyer
A drinks reception to celebrate the launch of Mike Alfreds’ new book. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at a special launch price of £10 (RRP £14.99).
Q&A: Mike Alfreds with Laura Cull
7-8pm – no booking required - Lecture Theatre E
To close the day, Mike Alfreds will respond to questions relating to his new book and any aspect of his career as a theatre director. Starting with a short interview conducted by Laura Cull (Theatre, Surrey), the floor will then be opened to the audience. All welcome.
'Having A Play': playwrights on playwriting in the last 25 years
What new trends and themes have emerged in the last 25 years of playwriting? What changes have occurred in the way plays reach the stage?
A panel event and Q&A with playwrights Alecky Blythe, Lucy Kirkwood, Conor McPherson and Nicholas Wright, chaired by Michael Attenborough.
On the panel are:
- Alecky Blythe, whose work includes the recent National Theatre hit, London Road
- Lucy Kirkwood, whose latest play Chimerica premieres at the Almeida Theatre, 17 May-29 June
- Conor McPherson, whose highly acclaimed play The Weir has just been revived at the Donmar Warehouse, prior to his new play The Night Alive premiering at the same venue from 13 June
- Nicholas Wright, is the author of many original plays as well as adaptations, and co-author with Richard Eyre of Changing Stages: A View of British Theatre in the 20th Century
All four playwrights are published by Nick Hern Books. The panel is chaired by Michael Attenborough, former Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.almeida.co.uk or from the Almeida Theatre box office, tel. 020 7359 4404.
Conor McPherson on 'Having a play'...
'Recently Sebastian Barry told me that Brian Friel told him that for a playwright to 'have a play' is everything. What 'having a play' means is that you have an idea you are thinking about, wondering about. You have a world whose chaos you can comprehend and even seek to control - a prism whereby the lunacy and violence of life is transformed into a beautiful poetic painting, full of motion and feeling...'
From My First Play: An Anthology of Theatrical Beginnings, published by NHB to celebrate 25 years of theatre publishing.
Peter Brook, National Theatre Platform
Peter Brook talks to Mark Lawson about his new book, The Quality of Mercy, a collection of essays reflecting his lifelong interest in interpreting Shakespeare’s works for contemporary audiences.
This Platform is followed by a booksigning.
Tickets £4 (£3 concessions)
'The Golden Rules of Acting' at Surviving Actors London
Andy Nyman learnt the golden rules of acting the hard way, through twenty-five years of working in theatre, film and television. On stage, Andy co-wrote, co-directed and starred in the West End hit Ghost Stories, and he won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment for co-writing and directing Something Wicked This Way Comes with his regular collaborator, magician Derren Brown. His many film appearances include cult favourite Severance and Frank Oz’s Death at a Funeral.
Andy's book The Golden Rules of Acting has become a word-of-mouth success in the business. In this 45-minute seminar Andy will tell you everything you need to know to stay sane and succeed in the acting profession.
Andy Nyman at Samuel French Bookshop
Come and see actor, magician and author Andy Nyman discuss his new book, The Golden Rules of Acting.
'Christians have the Bible, now actors have this book. At last, everyone is happy.' (Simon Pegg)
Mark Rylance, National Theatre Platform
The actor, director and writer reads from and talks about his first play, I Am Shakespeare. Followed by a booksigning.
Huawei Winter Concert - with Ruthie Henshall
Multi-award winning musical theatre stars Elaine Paige and Ruthie Henshall will be performing together for the first time ever at the Huawei Winter Concert at Central Hall Westminster in London on Tuesday 27th November 2012 at 8.00pm in support of youth charity The Prince’s Trust. This is an evening for musical theatre fans not to be missed.
Elaine Paige: “I’m thrilled to be sharing the concert stage not only with the City of London Sinfonia, but also the wonderful Ruthie Henshall – another first for me; but most importantly I’m delighted to be supporting The Prince’s Trust.”
Ruthie Henshall: “I have always been a fan of Elaine and had the utmost respect for her, so to finally sing with her is just a privilege and a highlight of my career. I can't wait! And to do this together for such a noble cause is the cherry on top.”
An Evening of Movies & Musicals at Christmas - with Ruthie Henshall
A sparkling evening of musical entertainment featuring much-loved smash hits and well known themes and signature tunes from the movies and musicals. Starring a stellar cast including the brilliant Ruthie Henshall (Chicago and author of So You Want To Be in Musicals?), John Owen Jones (Les Misérables, Phantom Of The Opera) and Scotland's Own Keith Jack (runner-up in BBC's Any Dream Will Do), with a marvellous 65-piece orchestra, playing some of John Williams’ famous scores including E-T, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, with a big community choir.
Limited number of VIP tickets available at £60 - price includes pre-concert reception and post meet and greet.
The Sound of Musicals - with Ruthie Henshall
Ruthie Henshall plays Birmingham Symphony Hall on 4th November.
Show stopping songs from some of the best loved musicals of all time as Ruthie is joined by leading West End artists and a full orchestra for an afternoon packed with all the glamour and excitement of musical theatre.
Songs from My Fair Lady, Oliver!, West Side Story, Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.
Ruthie will be joined by Graham Bickley, Tim Howar, Deborah Myers and the London Concert Orchestra.