The Habit of Art - Lyttelton National Theatre
The National Theatre is no stranger to the work of Alan Bennett and
2010 sees it present a brand new play from the well known British
playwright. Concerned with the habit of art and the way in which ages
affects the creative process, it should prove to be a wonderful addition
to Bennett’s extensive and celebrated back catalogue of work.
His plays and television shows have wowed people all over the world and
now Alan Bennett returns to the theatre with The Habit of Art, a play
that features Richard Griffiths (replacing Michael Gambon who was forced
to pull out of the production) in a lead role and provides a compelling
story for the audience to ponder over and interpret.
The Habit of Art is about the creative process and as such it looks a
group of actors as they battle their way through a new play that looks
at the lives of W H Auden and Benjamin Britten.
The role of Auden has gone to a man called Fritz (Griffiths) and within
the play Benjamin Britten has called upon his old friend and former
collaborator for advice following the struggle with his new opera Death
in Venice.
But the pair fail to get through the meeting uninterrupted and whilst
this the first time they have come together for quarter of a century,
they are constantly interrupted and watched by a stranger from the local
bus station and even a man that will one day pen their biographies.
Just as these men within the play struggle to get through their meeting,
the actors themselves struggle to get through the play without
interruptions and obstacles standing in their way.
The Habit of Art is therefore a look at the artistic process and the way
in which the age of those involved affects the creativity and success
that they might find. It has already received positive reviews from the
press, with newspapers giving it full marks for its funny yet deeply
moving story.
When the show was originally announced, it was also revealed that
Michael Gambon would be appearing in the production. However, as
progress moved on with the show Gambon was forced to pull out, leaving
the role of Auden empty. However, Richard Griffiths was quick to step
into his shoes and provide audiences with acting prowess.
Richard Griffiths OBE is a well known actor who has worked both on
stage, in television and in film. He has appeared in numerous cult
movies including the often quoted Withnail and I, as well as Ghandi,
Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear and appearances in Harry Potter, Sleepy
Hollow and the Nicolas Cage movie Guarding Tess.
But it is on stage where he is truly appreciated for his work, with a
Laurence Olivier Award given to him for his appearance in Alan Bennett’s
The History Boys at the National Theatre (2004). His other roles include
Equus at the Gielgud (2007) and the television series Pie in the Sky.
The Habit of Art appears at the Lyttelton National Theatre from November
to Tuesday 6th April 2010, though more dates are set to be announced
beyond this.