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
‘The result is a take on life, sexuality, death and everything, that is witty, moving, laugh-aloud funny and understatedly profound… the cast uniformly stunning’ The Guardian/Observer ☆☆☆☆☆
‘Kelly and Yelland are on top form heading an ensemble who highlight the way that art is both magical and mundane… ambitious, revealing and hugely entertaining.’ The Times ☆☆☆☆
‘It’s sharp, and often funny, teasing and important. The play holds up, even better, ten years on.’ Libby Purves ☆☆☆☆
‘Thought-provoking and expertly played, this is not a production to be missed.’ Broadway World ☆☆☆☆☆
‘The whole cast gave a performance that was both thought provoking and funny.’ Fairy Powered Productions ☆☆☆☆
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).
‘The result is a take on life, sexuality, death and everything, that is witty, moving, laugh-aloud funny and understatedly profound… the cast uniformly stunning’ The Guardian/Observer ☆☆☆☆☆
‘Kelly and Yelland are on top form heading an ensemble who highlight the way that art is both magical and mundane… ambitious, revealing and hugely entertaining.’ The Times ☆☆☆☆
‘It’s sharp, and often funny, teasing and important. The play holds up, even better, ten years on.’ Libby Purves ☆☆☆☆
‘Thought-provoking and expertly played, this is not a production to be missed.’ Broadway World ☆☆☆☆☆
‘The whole cast gave a performance that was both thought provoking and funny.’ Fairy Powered Productions ☆☆☆☆
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
1 – 6 October
Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford
8 – 13 October
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
15 – 20 October
Richmond Theatre
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 Festival Theatre
Productions Photos
A look a the cast in action…
