Theatre News

Alan Bennett brings new play People to National in October

Alan Bennett will continue his long association with the National Theatre and, more specifically its artistic director Nicholas Hytner, when his new play People premieres on the South Bank later this year.

A National spokesperson confirmed today that Hytner will direct People and that it is due to open in the NT Lyttelton in “late October”. No casting or further details of the piece have yet been announced.

Hytner has helmed two Bennett premieres during his reign as NT artistic director, the multi award-winning international hit The History Boys (on screen as well as stage) and The Habit of Art. His other collaborations with Bennett include The Madness of George III (also premiered at the National, though not during Hytner’s tenure as artistic director, and made into a film), which is now being revived in the West End with David Haig, and The Lady in the Van.

Alan Bennett‘s other plays for the National include An Englishman Abroad and The Wind in the Willows, while his other credits include Habeas Corpus, Forty Years On and Single Spies.