The Habit of Art - New Wolsey Theatre

The Habit of Art

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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).

The Habit of Art contains some strong language. Age guide 12+

Reviews of The Habit of Art

What the press say


"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

"The whole cast gave a performance that was both thought provoking and funny."

Fairy Powered Productions

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