The Evening Standard Theatre Podcast

Kenneth Branagh's King Lear, Robert Bathurst on new play, & The Time Traveller’s Wife!

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Episode notes

Robert Bathurst, star of Toast of London and Cold Feet, joins us to talk about his play Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell at the Coach & Horses pub. In conversation with Nick Curtis, they discuss James Hillier’s one-hour adaptation of the play made famous by Oscar-winner Peter O’Toole. The play focuses on the writing and wit of late Spectator journalist Jeffrey Bernard, a “notorious drinker” in the Soho journalists’ haunt, which is where the play is staged. In one episode of pub lore involving Bernard, desperate gamblers propping up the bar allegedly established a cat racing syndicate.

We review Sir Kenneth Branagh in the title role of King Lear at Wyndham’s Theatre. He also directs the West End production of Shakespeare’s epic tragedy.

We also review the new musical of The Time Traveller’s Wife at the Apollo Theatre, with music by Joss Stone and Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.

Plus, Isabelle Huppert’s set to return to the Barbican in Mary Queen of Scots as part of the east London arts venue’s spring 2024 season.

We respond to your questions: who’s the next Andrew Lloyd Webber for musical productions - and your favourite food moments on stage.

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