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The Seafarer
Photograph Catherina Ashmore
national theatre

Drama, Theatre, New writing

SIZE OF COMPANY
Varies

SCALE OF VENUE
Middle- and large-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Director
Nicholas Hytner

Executive Director
Nick Starr

Associate Producer
Pádraig Cusack

Associate Director
Howard Davies
Marianne Elliott
Tom Morris

ARTISTIC POLICY
The National Theatre is central to the creative life of the country. In its three theatres on the South Bank in London, it presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics, with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time. It aims constantly to re-energise the great traditions of the British stage and to expand the horizons of audiences and artists alike. It aspires to reflect in its repertoire the diversity of UK culture. And through touring, the National shares its work with audiences in the UK and internationally.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
'Conor McPherson's new play is one of his most succinct and startling, and the funniest to date.' The Observer (The Seafarer)

'A hilarious, spooky and delving play about living hells, drying out, despair and hope.' Independent on Sunday (The Seafarer)

'One of Mark Ravenhill's very best plays.' The Guardian (Citizenship)

'A 60-minute masterpiece, a computer-age Lord of the Flies…. Taut, vivid, cool, scary and often funny.' The Times (Chatroom)

'Superb, life-enhancing… nothing could diminish the incendiary achievement of this subtle, deep-wrought and immensely funny play about the value and meaning of education.' The Guardian (The History Boys)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
The Seafarer By Conor McPherson. It’s Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible ageing brother who’s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. But with the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. Conor McPherson (The Weir, Shining City) brings us this powerful, funny and unsettling tale. Includes strong language. (135 mins, 16 on the road)

Oedipus By Sophocles. Leading theatre director, Jonathan Kent, will direct a new version of the Greek classic with award-winning actor, Ralph Fiennes in the title role. (180 mins, 45 on the road)

Citizenship by Mark Ravenhill and Chatroom by Enda Walsh. Two short, sharp and provocative plays where the drama of young people’s lives takes centre stage. Citizenship – a bittersweet comedy about growing up, following a boy’s frank and messy search to discover his sexual identity. Chatroom – in cyberspace six 15-year-olds type and chat. A chilling and powerful tale of manipulation and the ultimate act of teenage rebellion. (140 mins, 26 on the road)

The History Boys By Alan Bennett. An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results and a history teacher who thinks he’s a fool. (160 mins, 28 on the road)

WRAPAROUND ACTIVITY
The National Theatre provides talks on its international tours.

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2006 Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA (The History Boys)
2005 South Africa, USA (Primo) Ireland (The Pillowman)
2004 Japan, Russia, USA (Play Without Words)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
The Seafarer available spring/summer 2007
Citizenship and Chatroom available autumn 2007/spring 2008
The History Boys available autumn 2007/spring 2008
Oedipus available autumn 2008/spring 2009