Details

Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera, Death in Venice, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W H Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first for twenty-five years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station. Alan Bennett's new play is as much about the theatre as it is about poetry or music. It looks at the unsettling desires of two difficult men, and at the ethics of biography. It reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion's spent: ultimately, on the habit of art.

Cast/Performers

Matthew Kelly (WH Auden / Fitz), David Yelland (Benjamin Britten / Henry), Veronica Roberts (Kay), Robert Mountford (Neil), John Wark (Donald), Alexandra Guelff (George), Benjamin Chandler (Tim)

Creatives/Company

Author: Alan Bennett
Producer(s): York Theatre Royal, Original Theatre Company
Director: Philip Franks
Design: Adrian Linford
Lighting: Johanna Town