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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

All awards systems are flawed, but some are more flawed than others

All awards systems are flawed, but some are more flawed than others

OpinionApr 1, 2025
Although some of the shows winning Critics’ Circle and Olivier awards will inevitably overlap, the routes to the wins couldn’t be more different
My favourite play: Jenna Russell

My favourite play: Jenna Russell

FeaturesMar 21, 2025
Actor Jenna Russell tells David Benedict why Robert Icke’s Oresteia (2015) is My Favourite Play
Operation Mincemeat: the next toast of Broadway?

Operation Mincemeat: the next toast of Broadway?

OpinionMar 18, 2025
Transferring a West End hit to Broadway can be a risky venture, says David Benedict. Here’s hoping that SpitLip’s small but mighty madcap British musical will be as popular with US audiences as it has been here
My favourite play: Richard Eyre

My favourite play: Richard Eyre

FeaturesMar 10, 2025
Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? Director Richard Eyre chooses a Shakespeare staging that confounded his expectations
Olivier Awards 2025: what can we learn from this year's nominations?

Olivier Awards 2025: what can we learn from this year's nominations?

OpinionMar 4, 2025
This year’s Olivier nominations are dominated by shows affiliated with Tim Sheader, in particular Fiddler on the Roof with a well-deserved 13 nods
My favourite show: Paule Constable

My favourite show: Paule Constable

FeaturesFeb 21, 2025
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
Riders to the Sea review

Riders to the Sea review

ReviewsFeb 19, 2025
Directed by Flora McIntosh, this rendition of Vaughan Williams’ one-act work by OperaUpClose is musically rich but dramatically underpowered
What's the difference between a musical and an opera? Festen crosses that divide

What's the difference between a musical and an opera? Festen crosses that divide

OpinionFeb 18, 2025
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
Phaedra + Minotaur review

Phaedra + Minotaur review

ReviewsFeb 7, 2025
Pairing of two Greek myths is physically and emotionally powerful
Titanique is pure theatrical silliness – let’s have more of its ilk in the West End

Titanique is pure theatrical silliness – let’s have more of its ilk in the West End

OpinionFeb 4, 2025
Putting a famous title on stage and simply adding songs is tired and cynical. Producers could do worse than look to a show such as Titanique to freshen up the West End
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