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David Benedict

David Benedict

Biography

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

Recent Articles

Is relevance really the heart of the arts?

Is relevance really the heart of the arts?

Thanks to Arts Council England’s recently published analysis on opera and music theatre, ‘relevance’ is back on the agenda. But the report and its conclusions do not show true understanding of art and artists
Britten and beyond: composers' lives bring the drama

Britten and beyond: composers' lives bring the drama

Composers have proved rich pickings for dramatists over the years, including two plays about Benjamin Britten now running in London and Stratford. So what it is about the lives of maestros that has such dramatic appeal?
There's more to Noël Coward than Private Lives

There's more to Noël Coward than Private Lives

Noël Coward was a prolific master of satire and sentiment, yet it is the same few of his works that are revived again and again. Let’s give some different Coward plays an outing
When it comes to direction, sometimes less is more

When it comes to direction, sometimes less is more

Loud directorial approaches are often commended, but more recognition should be given to those directors who take a quieter and less intrusive approach, too
Stop sneering at show tunes: musicals have sophistication in abundance

Stop sneering at show tunes: musicals have sophistication in abundance

There’s plenty of profundity to be found in musical theatre, so why do people keep dismissing it as less worthy of respect than any other genre?
Retooling a sitcom for the stage is no joke

Retooling a sitcom for the stage is no joke

Vital entrepreneurship or cynical nostalgia? Onstage revivals of classic TV shows have a chequered past
Stargazing at big Hollywood names just doesn’t cut it

Stargazing at big Hollywood names just doesn’t cut it

Broadway and the West End often feature shows with huge names, but the way they do opening nights could not be more different
Here's what theatre can learn from The Traitors

Here's what theatre can learn from The Traitors

Successful plays start with a great idea, but it is dramatic tension and gripping delivery that make them a success, as proved by the BBC’s thrilling series The Traitors
Transatlantic traffic: Exchange between the West End and Broadway is alive and well

Transatlantic traffic: Exchange between the West End and Broadway is alive and well

Transfers between the West End and Broadway are flourishing, though they highlight some important differences, notably the steep disparity in ticket prices
Why book writers – and especially Lucy Kirkwood – deserve more praise

Why book writers – and especially Lucy Kirkwood – deserve more praise

As The Human Body prepares to open, it’s time to make sure the subtle, resonating Kirkwood is removed from the long list of under-appreciated playwrights
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