David Benedict

2 weeks ago | thestage.co.uk | David Benedict

FeaturesDon Black. Photo: Craig SugdenWhich productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Don Black reveals the Broadway musical that inspired him to be a lyricistSupport The Stage by registering or subscribingTo continue reading this article you must be logged in. Register or login below to unlock 3 free articles every month. OR Or subscribe from just £7.99 and get unlimited access to thestage.co.uk. Remember Login

2 weeks ago | thestage.co.uk | David Benedict

The original production of Absurd Person Singular, arguably Alan Ayckbourn’s single play masterpiece, arrived in the West End in 1973. The cast featured Richard Briers as young, social-climbing Sidney and Sheila Hancock as increasingly unhappy, alcoholic Marion. He was 39, she was 40 and, as is possible at those ages, their playing ages were more than five years lower. Indeed, the wife of the third couple was played by Anna Calder-Marshall who was just 26.

3 weeks ago | thestage.co.uk | David Benedict

FeaturesRobert Glenister, here in The Seagull at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London (2022). Photo: Marc BrennerWhich productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Actor Robert Glenister opts for one of Shakespeare’s heavy hitters, as directed by the RSC’s Terry HandsSupport The Stage by registering or subscribingTo continue reading this article you must be logged in. Register or login below to unlock 3 free articles every month.

1 month ago | thestage.co.uk | David Benedict

Rattigan deserves a West End theatreTerence Rattigan and the Duchess Theatre in the West End. Photo: Allan Warren/ShutterstockTheatreland needed change in the 1950s but, in abandoning Terence Rattigan’s plays, babies may have been thrown out with the proverbial bathwater, says David BenedictSupport The Stage by registering or subscribingTo continue reading this article you must be logged in. Register or login below to unlock 3 free articles every month.

1 month ago | thestage.co.uk | David Benedict

FeaturesMatthew Bourne. Photo: Hugo GlendinningWhich productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Choreographer Matthew Bourne chooses the first London staging of a hit musical from Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents and Jule StyneSupport The Stage by registering or subscribingTo continue reading this article you must be logged in. Register or login below to unlock 3 free articles every month. OR Or subscribe from just £7.99 and get unlimited access to thestage.co.uk.