National Theatre launches ‘Life In Stages’ interview series with British theatre stars

Starting from 22 April, the new YouTube series will be released publicly every Thursday at 7pm BST. 

Academy Award-winning actor Olivia Colman will be joined by Rufus Norris, director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre, in the first episode of the video series. The duo have previously worked together on NT’s 2017 production of Mosquitoes by Lucy Kirkwood. 

We're excited to launch Life in Stages - a new interview series on YouTube profiling some of the biggest names in British theatre 🤩

Our first guests are Olivia Colman, Rufus Norris, @JoshOConnor15, Jessie Buckley, @AdrianLester and @MeeraSyal.

With thanks to @_CharlesStanley. pic.twitter.com/VY5fKDfiJX

— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) April 15, 2021

Josh O’Conner and Jessie Buckly from NT’s critically acclaimed Romeo & Juliet film also feature in an interview; actor and director Adrian Lester is joined by writer, comedian and actor Meera Syal later in the series. More featured artists will be announced later this month, with three episodes yet to be revealed. 

Discussions with the British stars have been pre-recorded on the empty Lyttelton stage, where the artists reflect on their theatre careers. The guests are set to reveal personal anecdotes regarding their best and worst on-stage memories.

Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, says: ‘We are thrilled that as we look ahead to our reopening in June, we are able to launch Life in Stages. 

‘The interview series has been a fantastic way to take a moment and reflect; to explore the careers of some of the leading figures within our industry, and to consider how the world around us will shape the work we create as we move forwards.  We are so grateful for the time generously given by the artists involved and to Charles Stanley for their support.’

For more information on the project, visit The National Theatre’s website.

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/life-in-stages