The Original Theatre Company and York Theatre Royal present
Alan Bennett’s
The Habit of Art
NATIONAL TOUR – Autumn 2018
Directed by Philip Franks
Starring Matthew Kelly and David Yelland
“I thought it unlikely that Alan Bennett would be able to equal the success of The History Boys (2004) but The Habit of Art is another absolute cracker, often wonderfully and sometimes filthily funny, but also deeply and unexpectedly moving.” Daily Telegraph, reviewing the original 2009 production
Alan Bennett is one our greatest and most celebrated playwrights, with a cavalcade of stage and screen blockbusters including The History Boys, The Madness of King George and Talking Heads. He is applauded as a genius for his sharp character observations and treasured for the way he beautifully balances wit, wistfulness and compassion.
In The Habit of Art, Bennett gives us a play about a meeting between the poet WH Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten.
Exploring friendship, rivalry and heartache this multi layered masterpiece examines the joy, pain and emotional cost of creativity.
This production directed by Philip Franks marks the first ever revival of the play and stars the Olivier Award winning Matthew Kelly (Of Mice and Men, Toast and Pride and Prejudice) and David Yelland (Chariots of Fire and The Crown) with Veronica Roberts (Tenko, Peak Practice), Robert Mountford (Anita and Me), John Wark (Dead Sheep), Alexandra Guelff (Witness for the Prosecution) and Benjamin Chandler (Passing From The Third Floor Back).
Matthew Kelly
David Yelland
“Deeply moving.” The Guardian, on 2009 production
“Hilariously provocative.” The Independent, on 2009 production
The Details
Show, reviews, cast and production details
Alan Bennett is one our greatest and most celebrated playwrights, with a cavalcade of stage and screen blockbusters including The History Boys, The Madness of King George and Talking Heads. He is applauded as a genius for his sharp character observations and treasured for the way he beautifully balances wit, wistfulness and compassion.
In The Habit of Art, Bennet gives us a play about a meeting between the poet WH Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten.
Exploring friendship, rivalry and heartache this multi layered masterpiece examines the joy, pain and emotional cost of creativity.
This production directed by Philip Franks marks the first ever revival of the play and stars the Olivier Award winning Matthew Kelly (Of Mice and Men, Toast and Pride and Prejudice) and David Yelland (Chariots of Fire and The Crown) with Veronica Roberts (Tenko, Peak Practice), Robert Mountford (Anita and Me), John Wark (Dead Sheep), Alexandra Guelff (Witness for the Prosecution) and Benjamin Chandler (Passing From The Third Floor Back).
CAST
Matthew Kelly l WH Auden
David Yelland l Benjamin Britten
Veronica Roberts l Kay
Robert Mountford l Neil
John Wark l Donald
Alexandra Guelff l George
Benjamin Chandler l Tim
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Philip Franks
Designer Adrian Linford
Lighting Johanna Town
30 August – 8 September
Theatre Royal York
11 – 15 September
Theatre Royal Brighton
17 – 22 September
Salisbury Playhouse
24 – 29 September
Oxford Playhouse
3 – 6 October
Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
8 – 13 October
New Wolsey, Ipswich
15 – 20 October
Theatre Royal Richmond
23 – 27 October
Liverpool Playhouse
29 October – 3 November
Cambridge Arts Theatre
6 – 10 November
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
12 – 17 November
The Lowry, Salford
19 – 24 November
Palace Theatre, Southend
27 November – 1 December
Malvern Theatres