England People Very Nice Tickets

The National Theatre’s Artistic Director, Nicholas Hytner returns to the spotlight in February 2009 as he directs an incredible ensemble cast in Richard Bean’s new play, England People Very Nice. The show, which will appear at the National’s Olivier Theatre, has a strong cast which includes a National Theatre debut for Olivia Colman, previously seen on Peep Show and Green Wing, as well as Sacha Dhawan, who was directed by Hytner in The History Boys.

England People Very Nice is set in Bethnal Green in the East End of London. The area is known for being diverse with many people living there from different cultures. According to the 2001 census, the 17590 residents are made up of 50.1% Muslims and 41.4% from the Bangladesh community, whilst other cultures and religions make up the rest of the population. Bean’s play is a journey through different times in the London borough from the 17th century until present day. As each century brings through a new group of immigrants, will the current residents be able to cope with a surge in new religions and cultures?

The production will be directed Nicholas Hytner, the Artistic Director of the National Theatre since 2003. Hytner’s early success occurred in the film industry where he directed Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren in the 1994 film, The Madness of King George. The film was nominated for 5 Academy Award and won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction. The film enjoyed more success as the BAFTA’s, receiving 14 nominations and winning 3, including the BAFTA for Best British Film. Hytner went on to direct an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible in 1996. Within the theatre, Hytner directed Miss Saigon in London’s West End and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Musical. He has since directed The History Boys for the West End and went on to direct a feature length film version.

Richard Bean’s first play was Of Rats and Men which first appeared at the Canal Cafe Theatre, a 60 seat theatre above a pub in London, in 1996. The show went on to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and when Bean adapted the show for radio, it was nominated for a Sony Award. Since then, Bean has worked with the National Theatre twice. October 2000 saw Bean work alongside the National Theatre who produced his play, Mr England, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The Mentalists, another of Bean’s plays, appeared at the National Theatre in July 2002. Bean’s other works include The God Botherers (2003) at the Bush Theatre, The Hypochondriac (2005) at the Almedia Theatre and The English Game (2008) which toured UK theatres.

England People Very Nice appears at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre from the 12th February 2009 until the 30th April 2009.