Alan Bennett: Six Poets, National Theatre Platform

This National Poetry Day, legendary playwright Alan Bennett will make a rare London appearance to present his latest project, poetry anthology, Six Poets: Hardy to Larkin.
Along with readings from the anthology, Bennett will give a lively commentary to accompany and illuminate his choice of poems. Expect insightful and witty musings: deftness for literary criticism is another of Bennett’s many talents. 
Having won countless accolades including a whopping six Olivier awards and a BAFTA, Bennett is one of the most important figures contemporary theatre. He captures the bathetic tragedy of every day life with a distinctive voice. This anthology reflects the literary influences that have shaped his plays: both Hardy and Larkin present poetic worlds of just the sort of quotidian, overlooked failures and frustrations and sardonic humour that pepper Bennett’s scripts. Bennett’s personal selection of verse gives both a telling insight into his own creative sphere and a charming perspective on some of the best-loved poets of the last century. The playwright’s own voice abounds, as he brings the poems to life with snippets of commentary, covering his own intimate relationship with each verse and a charmingly curated selection of anecdote and analysis about each of the poets. 
Following the poetry reading and commentary Bennett will be on hand for a book signing. Book fast; Bennett’s a National Treasure with a legion of loyal fans and his rare public appearances sell out very quickly. 
Booking for this National Theatre Platform opens on Friday 18th July.