theartsdesk Q&A: Playwright Howard Brenton | reviews, news & interviews
theartsdesk Q&A: Playwright Howard Brenton
theartsdesk Q&A: Playwright Howard Brenton
The prolific playwright has incubated his creative anger deep into his sixties
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Howard BrentonCatherine Ashmore
Political playwright Howard Brenton (b. 1942) is always in the process of being "rediscovered". Yet at the same time he has been at the heart of British theatrical life for the past 40 years, since his debut in 1969 with Christie in Love. True, he has spent the odd decade out of the theatrical limelight - a few years ago, he "went out of fashion" in his own phrase – and then he just happened to pen some of the liveliest scripts on television with the BBC’s spy drama series, Spooks (2002-2005).
Political playwright Howard Brenton (b. 1942) is always in the process of being "rediscovered". Yet at the same time he has been at the heart of British theatrical life for the past 40 years, since his debut in 1969 with Christie in Love. True, he has spent the odd decade out of the theatrical limelight - a few years ago, he "went out of fashion" in his own phrase – and then he just happened to pen some of the liveliest scripts on television with the BBC’s spy drama series, Spooks (2002-2005).
I find it very hard to take certain things. I find it very hard to believe a word judges say. I find it hard to see any point in Prince Charles.
Share this article
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
more Theatre
L’Addition, BAC review - top billing for physical comedy duo
The latest in Forced Entertainment’s 40 years of experiment is a thought-tickling farce
Barcelona, Duke of York's Theatre review - Lily Collins migrates from France to Spain
The 'Emily in Paris' star surrenders to cliche - or does she?
Guards at the Taj, Orange Tree Theatre review - miniature marvel with rich resonances
Rajiv Joseph’s play pitting beauty against duty gets an impressive staging
The Buddha of Suburbia, Barbican Theatre review - farcical fun, but what about the issues?
Hanif Kureishi classic gets a compulsively comic makeover from Emma Rice
How To Survive Your Mother, King's Head Theatre review - mummy issues drive autobiographical dramedy
Lots of heartache, but a strange void where the heart of the play should be
Dr Strangelove, Noël Coward Theatre review - an evening of different parts
Kubrick’s humour doesn't always detonate as it should in Armando Iannucci's version
Reykjavik, Hampstead Theatre review - drama frozen by waves of detail
Richard Bean’s new play revisits the Hull fishing industry of the 1970s
The Forsyte Saga Parts 1 and 2, Park Theatre review - if Chekhov did soap operas
Joseph Millson leads a super cast in a classy production from Troupe Theatre Company
The Wild Duck, The Norwegian Ibsen Company, Coronet Theatre review - slow burn, devastating climax
Ibsen's pitiless take on the 'life lie' is another triumph for Norwegians in Notting Hill
Autumn, Park Theatre review - on stage as in politics, Brexit drama promises much, but loses its way
Promising production, beautifully acted, slides into side plots and confusion
The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse review - powerful analysis of a gross injustice
A magnificent Adrien Brody leads a moving production by Justin Martin
The Duchess [of Malfi], Trafalgar Theatre review - actors imprisoned by confused time travelling
Zinnie Harris's modern take robs the play of its tragic potential
Add comment