Platforms
An eclectic programme of pre-performance events celebrates all aspects of the arts, offering the chance to learn about the National's work and discover more about theatre in general. Platforms usually start at 6pm, lasting for 45 minutes - there are occasional afternoon events, usually starting at 2.30pm. Tickets: £3.50 (£2.50 concessions) unless otherwise specified.
Book online or call 020 7 452 3000.
Transcripts of a selection of past Platforms are available online or to buy. See Transcripts for details.
Platforms:
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Roald Dahl Day with Quentin Blake, Rory Kinnear, Lesley Manville and Alistair McGowan
Dahl's principal illustrator Quentin Blake draws live on stage as actors read a selection from Dahl's stories.
Sep 13 -
Richard Attenborough
Together with his co-author, Diana Hawkins, he reflects on Entirely Up To You, Darling, their account of his extraordinarily diverse career.
Sep 18 -
Elaine Paige
The iconic star of Evita, Cats and Sunset Boulevard celebrates 40 years on the stage.
Sep 23 -
In Conversation with Lesley Manville
The actress talks about her current role in Her Naked Skin and her career, and answers your questions.
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Doris Lessing
In her new book, Alfred and Emily, the Nobel Laureate explores the lives of her parents, both irrevocably damaged by the Great War.
Sep 24 -
Enda Walsh and Mikel Murfi on The Walworth Farce
the playwright and director reflect on the play's journey from Galway to Edinburgh and Broadway.
Sep 26 -
No Strings Attached - See puppets made of newspaper, puppets like muppets, and a life-size puppet boy!
A practical demonstration by Improbable Theatre, Blind Summit and Avenue Q celebrates the increasingly popular trend of using puppets alongside performers in the theatre.
Sep 26 -
Juliette Binoche and Akram Khan on in-i
Dancer and choreographer Akram Khan and actress Juliette Binoche discuss their new collaboration.
Oct 06 -
Denis Norden
The distinguished comedy writer and presenter is joined by Barry Cryer to look back on his career in Clips from a Life.
Oct 08 -
Katie Mitchell
One of the most adventurous directors working today talks about her new book, The Director’s Craft.
Oct 09 -
Stella Duffy
Writer and actor Stella Duffy talks about her new novel The Room of Lost Things.
Oct 10 -
Sheila Hancock
Just Me is the moving and honest account of Sheila Hancock’s life since the death of her husband, John Thaw.
Oct 15 -
Roger Moore
UNICEF ambassador and legendary screen actor, Roger Moore, talks about his long and illustrious career
Oct 16 -
Peter Gill
Apprenticeship is Peter Gill’s potent recollection of the changing theatrical landscape of the 60s and his journey from being a young actor to becoming a director and playwright.
Oct 17 -
The Horse Whisperers
A unique chance to see the celebrated ‘Man Who Listens to Horses’, Monty Roberts, and the horse psychologist, Kelly Marks working with a live horse and a War Horse puppet..
Oct 22 -
In Conversation with Ralph Fiennes
The actor talks about his current role in Oedipus and his career, and answers your questions.
Oct 24 -
On To Be Straight With You
Guests including Munira Mirza (GLA Director of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries), Douglas Murray (Centre for Social Cohesion) and Andrea Minichiello Williams (Christian Legal Centre), discuss the challenging themes of this work.
Nov 05 -
Jonathan Kent on Oedipus
The director reflects on his production of Sophocles' tragedy.
Nov 06 -
Russell T Davies
The man who rejuvenated one of the BBC’s most iconic programmes talks to Benjamin Cook about Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale.
Nov 07 -
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Powerful, lyrical songs and evocative readings tell the story of two brothers-in-arms in the First World War battlefields of Ypres.
Nov 10 -
Private Peaceful with Michael Morpurgo and Coope, Boyes and Simpson
Powerful, lyrical songs and evocative readings tell the story of two brothers-in-arms during one long night in the First World War.
Nov 10 -
Mike Brearley on The Oedipus Complex
The psychoanalyst and former England cricket captain explores the connection between Sophocles’ telling of the Oedipus story, and Freud’s analysis.
Nov 14 -
In Conversation with Clare Higgins
The actress talks about her current role as Jocasta in Oedipus and her career.
Nov 17 -
Bill Paterson
Actor Bill Paterson, brought up in 50s Glasgow, reads from Tales from the Back Green
Nov 19 -
Michael Holroyd and Richard Briers on Ellen Terry and Henry Irving
Michael Holroyd is joined by fellow Irving-enthusiast, Richard Briers, to examine the dramatic lives of Ellen Terry and Henry Irving.
Nov 25 -
Tracy Letts and Anna D Shapiro on August: Osage County
The playwright, Tracy Letts, and director, Anna D Shapiro, discuss Steppenwolf’s award-winning production.
Nov 28 -
An Evening with Private Eye
The annual round-up of the year's events with Ian Hislop and special guests
Dec 01 -
Julie Walters
s her autobiography is published, a comedy legend returns to the National to reflect on her hugely diverse 25-year career.
Dec 04 -
Seeing Landscapes
Four talks from renowned landscape photographer Charlie Waite.
Dec 08, 09, Jan 05, 06 > -
Christopher Bigsby on Arthur Miller
Christopher Bigsby introduces his much-anticipated biography of one of the 20th century’s greatest playwrights.
Dec 10 -
Jonathan Croall on Sybil Thorndike
Biographer Jonathan Croall talks to Polly Toynbee about the great actress, pacifist and socialist, Sybil Thorndike.
Dec 16 -
Theatre Quiz
Two rival National Theatre companies do battle over theatrical knowledge in the festive annual quiz.
Dec 19 -
Michael Morpurgo
As the revival of War Horse continues in the Olivier, the author reflects on Joey’s journey to the stage.
Jan 22 -
Ian Kelly on Casanova
Ian Kelly reveals a very different Casanova from the legendary lover in his new biography.
Feb 04 -
Marianne Elliott and Samuel Adamson on Mrs Affleck
The director and playwright talk about this new production, inspired by Ibsen’s Little Eyolf.
Feb 11
