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:
-
Michael Morpurgo
As the revival of War Horse continues in the Olivier, the author reflects on Joey’s journey to the stage.
Jan 22
Buy Tickets -
Ian Kelly on Casanova
Historian and actor Ian Kelly, currently appearing in The Pitmen Painters, unveils a very different Casanova from the legendary lover.
Feb 04
Buy Tickets -
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
Buy Tickets -
The Satanic Verses – Twenty Years On
English PEN and the National bring together actors and writers to read from Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses and discuss the implications of the fatwa against the writer.
Feb 14
Buy Tickets -
Free Valentine’s Day Screening
Shakespeare in Lovefree outdoor screening of Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman’s ingenious love story about the rising young light of the Elizabethan stage.
Feb 14 -
Tom Stoppard on Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
The playwright discusses his play for actors and orchestra.
Feb 14
Buy Tickets -
Michael Kustow
Outspoken writer, producer and cultural activist Michael Kustow, reflects on In Search of Jerusalem, his year-long spiritual journey from India to Israel and Palestine.
Feb 26
Buy Tickets -
Richard Bean on England People Very Nice
The writer discusses his new play about immigration into London’s East End.
Feb 27
Buy Tickets -
In Conversation with Claire Skinner
Company members chat informally about their work and answer your questions. Chaired by Al Senter.
Mar 02
Buy Tickets -
Sandi Toksvig presents The Great Feminist Quiz
Sandi Toksvig, Fiona Laird and friends celebrate the post-feminist age.
Mar 05
Buy Tickets -
Peter Flannery on Burnt by the Sun
Peter Flannery talks about his theatrical adaptation of this story set in Soviet Russia.
Mar 24
Buy Tickets -
Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton introduces The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, exploring the modern workplace and what makes jobs either fulfilling or soul-destroying.
Apr 02
Buy Tickets -
In Conversation with Rory Kinnear
Company members chat informally about their work and answer your questions. Chaired by Al Senter.
Apr 03
Buy Tickets -
James Macdonald on Dido, Queen of Carthage
The director talks about his production of Marlowe’s intense tale of love, betrayal and suicide.
Apr 03
Buy Tickets -
Immigration in Literature
Writers, including Charles Nicholl and Robert McLiam Wilson, discuss the literary history of migrating Huguenots, Irish, Jewish and Bangladeshi communities.
Apr 15
Buy Tickets -
Jonathan Dimbleby
In Russia, Jonathan Dimbleby looks at how her past has shaped her current identity, and investigates what modern Russia means to her people now.
Apr 16
Buy Tickets -
Rufus Norris on Death and the King’s Horseman
Rufus Norris talks about his new production of Wole Soyinka’s play.
Apr 22
Buy Tickets -
Paris Calling: Discussion
Playwrights from the series discuss the current state of French playwriting and the genesis and development of the Paris Calling season.
Apr 23
Buy Tickets -
Paris Calling: Readings
A chance to hear extracts from three newly translated contemporary French plays.
Apr 23
Buy Tickets -
Ten Years of the Children’s Laureate
Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen and Jacqueline Wilson celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Children’s Laureate.
Apr 27
Buy Tickets -
Virginia McKenna
Virginia McKenna’s autobiography looks back on her career as an actor and her role in the conservation and animal welfare movement.
Apr 28
Buy Tickets -
Rupert Goold on Time and the Conways
The director talks about his new production of Priestley’s ‘time play’.
May 14
Buy Tickets
