The Habit of Art

The National Theatre presents the World Premiere of Alan Bennett's new play The Habit of Art in London at the Lyttelton Theatre directed by Nicholas Hytner.

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.

Richard Griffiths plays 'W H Auden'. Richard Griffiths created the role of Hector in Alan Bennett's The History Boys at the National Theatre, on international tour, on Broadway and on film, winning the Evening Standard, Critics' Circle, Laurence Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor. The cast also includes Frances de la Tour, Alex Jennings and Adrian Scarborough. Casting subject to change.

The Habit of Art in London at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre previewed from 5 November 2009 and opened on 17 November 2009.