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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

Les Misérables lyricist Herbert Kretzmer's words will never die

Les Misérables lyricist Herbert Kretzmer's words will never die

Opinion | 20 Oct 20
Herbert Kretzmer’s reputation will be happily secured by the all-conquering smash hit, while the late lyricist’s work on Anthony Newley’s bizarre 1969 musical with a title too long for here should mercifully prove an obscure footnote to a celebrated career
For those starved of first-rate, one-off dramas, look to BBC’s Play for Today

For those starved of first-rate, one-off dramas, look to BBC’s Play for Today

Opinion | 13 Oct 20
For those starved of first-rate, one-off dramas, look to BBC’s Play for Today, which was a beacon for the daring and the different when it first aired 50 years ago this week, says David Benedict
Arts jobs are viable – it’s the government that’s not

Arts jobs are viable – it’s the government that’s not

Opinion | 06 Oct 20
Arts jobs are viable, but Operations Moonshot and Sleeping Beauty and the delay on the £1.57 billion culture rescue package – promised three months ago – show the government is not, says David Benedict
Relic to revelation – how The Boys in the Band came back to play Broadway

Relic to revelation – how The Boys in the Band came back to play Broadway

Opinion | 29 Sep 20
As Temi Wilkey picks up The Stage Debut award for her play depicting LGBT+, black relationships, David Benedict looks back at another debut play that set a precedent for breaking boundaries
Unlike for the Debut Awards nominees, first roles aren’t always auspicious

Unlike for the Debut Awards nominees, first roles aren’t always auspicious

Opinion | 21 Sep 20
As former winner Miriam-Teak Lee prepares to present The Stage Debut Awards 2020, David Benedict remembers the famous performers whose first appearances might have been a little less accomplished
Bennett's dramas prove the exceptions that suit both stage and screen

Bennett's dramas prove the exceptions that suit both stage and screen

Opinion | 15 Sep 20
Talking Heads, Alan Bennett’s dark monologues, are a masterclass in retaining impact and intimacy across dramatic formats, says David Benedict
Ralph Fiennes as David Hare? Truth doesn’t have to be picture perfect

Ralph Fiennes as David Hare? Truth doesn’t have to be picture perfect

Opinion | 08 Sep 20
If Ralph Fiennes can be David Hare and Helen Mirren the Queen, surely I can get Harrison Ford to play me? After all, the truth doesn’t have to be picture perfect, says David Benedict
Though their skills are extraordinary, this is ordinary people losing their jobs

Though their skills are extraordinary, this is ordinary people losing their jobs

Opinion | 01 Sep 20
It takes an eye-widening amount of staff to deliver a show such as the NT’s acclaimed production of Follies. Where will those highly skilled theatreworkers go now that their careers have been flattened?, asks David Benedict
Wendell Pierce as Che? Why not – actors should play their dream roles

Wendell Pierce as Che? Why not – actors should play their dream roles

Opinion | 25 Aug 20
At 56 years old, Wendell Pierce is an unlikely choice to play Che in Evita. But why shouldn’t actors get to play their dream roles?, asks David Benedict
As theatres return, let’s see new and under-produced works on stage

As theatres return, let’s see new and under-produced works on stage

Opinion | 18 Aug 20
Let’s call a halt to over-produced classics, says David Benedict, and when large-scale theatre can return let’s stage new and under-produced works
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