Sky Arts - Theatreland

This insightful eight episode documentary covers six exciting months of the Theatre Royal Haymarket's busy life from all angles, in particular the arrival of a new artistic director – Sean Mathias.

Sean is an extremely accomplished theatre playwright and director who over the last 15 years has directed a star studded list of thespians in memorably successful productions from Broadway to the West End; from Sondheim to Chekhov and even panto! He has a long term personal and professional relationship with Sir Ian McKellen but has also directed amongst others; Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, Clive Owen, Rachel Wiez, Kathleen Turner, Antony Sher, Sian Philips, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and Billy Cruddup. With his arrival at the Theatre Royal he will be adding Patrick Stewart to that stellar list with his first production of Waiting for Godot starring Stewart and Ian McKellen.

Waiting for Godot was one of the most eagerly awaited theatrical events of 2009, and we followed its progress from rehearsals to opening night. Alongside this tale of two giants of the stage and screen, Sir Ian McKellen and Simon Callow, we also followed artistic director Sean's every step as he began to get to grips with his next production for TRH, the first ever theatric adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It was an ambitious undertaking with a worldwide interest in who was going to land the fantastic tour de force role of Holly Golightly so intrinsically linked to the late Audrey Hepburn. Who would take the stage on opening night? From Natalie Portman to Billy Piper the line up of starlets jockeying for consideration was already impressive.

By contrast to showcasing such established talents we were also on hand for some of the Theatre Royal’s Masterclass series. Running for the last 10 years, these have seen over 40,000 young people come through the theatre’s doors to hear from established practitioners about taking up a career in TV, theatre and film. To date these have included Sir Peter Hall, David Hare, Maureen Lipman, Mike Leigh, Bill Nighy, Tom Stoppard, Jonathon Miller and Charles Dance to name but a few.

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Latest comments

Tim

Thu 30 July 2009, 13:56

I have just seen WFG at the Haymarket, it was very good.

Ann-mary

Thu 30 July 2009, 17:20

I have juse seen theatre land on TV and i think it is so so good.. I see one guy on it i think he’s was james.. He is the best on it.. He is very very sexy..
So thank you for making this..

Rhiannon

Thu 30 July 2009, 21:22

I’m so annoyed!
I work there and I completely forgot to watch it....and I wonder who James is.....

Derek

Thu 30 July 2009, 21:43

brill loved it more of the same please. Loved seeing serena and patrick rehearse.

Ann-mary

Fri 31 July 2009, 17:46

To Rhiannon.. Maybe you have just have started at theatre as James is the Dept Master Carpenters.. Very funny and hot..
Great Show.
Thank you
Again

25cent

Fri 31 July 2009, 23:53

is there any way i can see this? i live in the U.S.

Steve Wheeler

Fri 7 August 2009, 17:26

Fascinating stuff, saw WFG at Haymarket and enjoyed very much.1st prog didn’t show the idiots who pulled down the ceiling in a very good light, mind you I am a Surveyor !!

Richard Hawkins

Wed 12 August 2009, 10:31

Great show

Especially like the girl that loves ‘grouting’ - she’s a natural

Sun 16 August 2009, 16:38

I have really enjoyed this series.The girl w ith the ‘grartin’ and Rozzie have completely stolen the show from the Actors.
We live in ‘the provinces’ and havent appreciated the snooty comments about the performances outside London not counting!
If they are rehearsals - we shouldnt have to pay!

James Dean

Tue 18 August 2009, 10:05

I agree, Rosie and Grouting girl are great Also really like the music for this series, really suit’s it!

How many ep’s are left then?

Jon Bott

Thu 20 August 2009, 09:26

Is this series going to be released on DVD?

speed demon

Fri 21 August 2009, 01:56

Yes please make it into a DVD, or at least make some way that people living outside the U.K. can watch this.

Emily Stables

Fri 21 August 2009, 11:53

Does anybody know anything about the Ghost Bus Tour that was featured on last nights show?

Harold Wright

Thu 10 September 2009, 15:41

Theatreland is great and I hope there will be many more.

Ben Harris

Thu 10 September 2009, 19:49

Yes - I have heard that they are releasing a DVD of the series. A mate told me that it would be available at the Theatre Royal Itself as well as the shops. Hope he is right. It is great TV. Not sure how many in series though. Thought it was eight but have heard it could be ten.

Natalie Ryan

Thu 17 September 2009, 23:00

I worked for the company that built the set for Breakfast at Tiffanys… could someone please tell me the dates and times of this series? I can’t find it anywhere-probably being stupid! thankyou ever so.

Derek

Sun 20 September 2009, 16:53

Sorry it’s finished :( One of the best things that’s been on TV for ages. Hopefully there will be another series - PLEASE

Ben Harris

Sun 20 September 2009, 20:33

Oh No! It was only 8 programmes - I was sure it was going to be ten. I want to know how Breakfast at Tifanies gets on. I presume there will be a follow up to let us know. Loved the cat and his understudy. Brill TV. Thanks.

lightingtec

Mon 21 September 2009, 12:41

theatreland was great ,Will it be on dvd to buy any where

Ben Kern

Sun 27 September 2009, 21:25

Thoroughly enjoyed this series. Just a shame it only lasted 8 weeks. Would love to see more!
bring on another series!

Sarah Booker

Sat 10 October 2009, 08:24

Please, please bring a DVD out of this programme - it was great! Loved it!

Giles Hill

Tue 13 October 2009, 02:13

The DVD is released on November 2nd, and available for pre-order at the usual places.

Wed 14 October 2009, 17:10

will the dvd be available outside the UK?

Digital Classics

Tue 20 October 2009, 15:58

The series is available to purchase here

http://www.digitalclassicsdvd.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=287

Digital Classics

Thu 22 October 2009, 14:27

It is an all regions (0) release. Playable in all countries.

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Theatre & Drama

Theatreland

Behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Theatreland

Theatreland

Theatreland

Theatreland

Theatreland

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