More
User Menu
Remember Login
Register|Reset Password
Search
David Benedict

David Benedict

Biography

David Benedict has been a daily columnist and theatre editor on the Independent, arts editor of the Observer and chief London critic of Variety (2006-2014). He is currently writing the authorised biography of Stephen Sondheim and is a regular guest on the BBC. Read David's columns for The Stage every Wednesday.

Recent Articles

Should non-singing actors try their hand at musicals? Well, it depends...

Should non-singing actors try their hand at musicals? Well, it depends...

Opinion | 26 Jan 21
With Felicity Kendal to make her musical debut in Anything Goes at London’s Barbican, David Benedict considers whether non-singing actors should make the jump to musicals
Sports fans aren’t wary of experts, so why are arts critics left on the bench?

Sports fans aren’t wary of experts, so why are arts critics left on the bench?

Opinion | 19 Jan 21
While arts reviews are getting shorter and fewer in media outlets that regard them as elitist, informed criticism in sport is everywhere, says David Benedict. Let’s follow Gary Lineker’s lead when theatre returns, and fight for more post-play analysis
With imagination, onscreen musicals can be more than theatre substitutes

With imagination, onscreen musicals can be more than theatre substitutes

Opinion | 12 Jan 21
While some movie musicals are crass attempts to cash in on stage success, innovative adaptations such as Leicester Curve’s Sunset Boulevard prove that films need not be pale imitation of live shows
A sad tale’s best for winter? Not in 2021

A sad tale’s best for winter? Not in 2021

Opinion | 23 Dec 20
Instead of rehashing the misery we’ve been through in 2020, let’s look back in angora, says David Benedict
Forget Netflix's The Prom: Broadway on screen can be better

Forget Netflix's The Prom: Broadway on screen can be better

Opinion | 15 Dec 20
Ryan Murphy’s The Prom includes big-hearted sentiment, but the casting is bizarre – Broadway on screen, from Bye Bye Birdie to Cabaret, can be better, says David Benedict
Small-scale shows could be the way ahead for the West End’s comeback

Small-scale shows could be the way ahead for the West End’s comeback

Opinion | 08 Dec 20
Small-scale shows by performers such as Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen could pave the way for the West End’s comeback, says David Benedict
Theatre must open the books to prove it’s an industrial success story

Theatre must open the books to prove it’s an industrial success story

Opinion | 01 Dec 20
Theatre is failing to make a case for itself as an industrial success story and a vital income-generator for government, says David Benedict, if companies opened up the books the evidence would be more clear
A new take on The Turn of the Screw shows the potential of mixing forms

A new take on The Turn of the Screw shows the potential of mixing forms

Opinion | 24 Nov 20
Opera Glassworks’ version of The Turn of the Screw, filmed at Wilton’s Music Hall, shows the possibilities of mixing opera, theatre and film, says David Benedict
Too old to work? Far from it – actors get better with age

Too old to work? Far from it – actors get better with age

Opinion | 17 Nov 20
Equity’s campaign to ensure over-60s are not shut out of the industry is vital, says David Benedict – otherwise we’ll miss out on the skill and subtlety that comes with years of experience
Sondheim’s political satire shines once more in a superb cast recording

Sondheim’s political satire shines once more in a superb cast recording

Opinion | 10 Nov 20
Notorious for being Stephen Sondheim’s biggest flop, Anyone Can Whistle can finally be heard in its full glory – and it’s a revelation
The Stage
Subscribe

Subscribe

Start a subscription today from just £3.98
Subscribe
© Copyright The Stage Media Company Limited 2020
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linked In
Pinterest
YouTube