David Benedict

After watching the five-star, tension-loaded Festen at the Royal Opera, David Benedict ponders what the real difference is between musical theatre and classical opera

Directed by Flora McIntosh, this rendition of Vaughan Williams’ one-act work by OperaUpClose is musically rich but dramatically underpowered

Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Lighting designer and associate director at the National Theatre Paule Constable chooses an opera directed by Barrie Kosky

Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Director Richard Eyre chooses a Shakespeare staging that confounded his expectations

Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Actor, director and Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh chooses David Hare’s play Plenty, which changed everything for her

Too much commercial theatre is missing the thrill of controlled surprise, says David Benedict – Conor McPherson’s The Brightening Air is one of the increasingly rare exceptions

David Benedict takes a tour of the Grade II*-listed Soho Theatre Walthamstow and learns about its transformation into an arts hub

The annual Profile Awards are a welcome opportunity to recognise the often-overlooked art of lighting design, says David Benedict

Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Don Black reveals the Broadway musical that inspired him to be a lyricist

Which productions most inspired our leading theatremakers? Actor Lindsay Duncan chooses a Royal Court, London, production penned by her childhood friend Kevin Elyot