Sir Nicholas Hytner, the former director of the National Theatre, has reflected on his extensive career in the theatre industry as he prepares to open James Graham’s new play, *The Standard of Living*, in London’s West End. Fresh from a holiday in Provence and recently having sold the Bridge Theatre to Trafalgar Entertainment, Hytner, who turned 70 in May, acknowledged both the relief and difficulties he faced during his nine years running the venue, especially amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hytner described the sale of the Bridge Theatre, which he co-founded with Nick Starr in 2017 as London’s first commercial theatre of scale in 80 years, as both “a wrench” and a “tremendous relief.” Despite initial optimism, the pandemic forced reliance on a £6.5 million government Culture Recovery Fund loan, the repayments of which strained the theatre’s financial margins. While the Bridge was a commercial enterprise expected to repay its debts, Hytner urged the government to forgive pandemic-related debts for subsidised and not-for-profit arts organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the Old Vic.
Reflecting on his tenure at the National Theatre between 2003 and 2015, Hytner highlighted a period often viewed as a golden age, with critically acclaimed productions including *The History Boys*, *One Man, Two Guvnors*, and *War Horse*. He recalled early doubts and tensions, notably during the technical run of his first National production, *Henry V*, but noted that subsequent years proceeded more smoothly. Hytner’s approach combined commercial and artistic ventures, with the Bridge Theatre producing its own shows, although not all achieved lasting success. He cited *A German Life* (2019), a monologue featuring Maggie Smith, as a particular highlight, and praised his gender-flipped production of *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* as one of the most memorable theatrical experiences of the past decade.
Hytner also addressed the state of arts education and funding, expressing concern over the decline of drama, music, and art in state schools and praising efforts to maintain affordable ticket options. He supported dynamic pricing models at major theatres, including the National Theatre’s controversial approach, arguing that such systems help subsidise cheaper seats and broaden access. While acknowledging the optics issues associated with high ticket prices—for example, the West End production of *Giant* reached £436 at the top end—he stressed that affordable tickets remained widely available.
*Giant*, a recent hit directed by Hytner and written by Mark Rosenblatt, sparked conversations around anti-Semitism and criticism of Israel, particularly given its timely debut amidst the Gaza war and its depiction of Roald Dahl’s complicated legacy. Hytner, who is Jewish but non-practising, described the play as “nuanced” and noted that audience reactions varied widely. He expressed concern over the increased polarization and radicalization of political discourse around Israel-Palestine, emphasizing that no one in the arts should face ideological tests or feel unsafe for expressing their identity. He cited recent remarks by actors Maureen Lipman and Tracy-Ann Oberman concerning security and visibility related to Jewish identity, agreeing that such concerns are unacceptable.
On the broader issue of free expression in theatre, Hytner observed a shift from a turbulent post-COVID and post-Black Lives Matter period toward a more pragmatic climate. He defended the ongoing ability of theatre to stage challenging works that address fundamental issues, including radicalism, while drawing a line at works that may be genuinely offensive rather than provocative or difficult.
Looking ahead, Hytner spoke of plans to collaborate with James Corden on a new theatre project within the next 18 months, a reunion nearly two decades after directing Corden in *The History Boys*. While details remain under wraps, Hytner’s enduring passion for the arts suggests he intends to remain active in theatre for the foreseeable future. *The Standard of Living* will run in London from September 21 to December 12, while the film adaptation of *Giant* is set to be screened in UK cinemas starting November 19.