David Benedict: When it comes to direction, sometimes less is more

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David Benedict

David Benedict

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David Benedict

David Benedict

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.

More from this author

My favourite show: Paule Constable

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

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

Opinion

Latest
Most Read

What’s behind the trend of mini-musicals on Broadway?

Fainting audiences are nothing new – but we shouldn’t see them as a bit of fun either

Could a fast-growing global fringe circuit dim Edinburgh's spotlight?

Big words, small promises: can Lisa Nandy live up to Jennie Lee?

If we want change, we should start by creating spaces where everyone can be heard

Lisa Nandy’s speech reflects back to us the sector’s existential confusion

Fainting audiences are nothing new – but we shouldn’t see them as a bit of fun either

ACE grant changes may be paused for now, but fears of looming catastrophe remain

Lisa Nandy’s speech reflects back to us the sector’s existential confusion

Could a fast-growing global fringe circuit dim Edinburgh's spotlight?

Cast changes are vital – here are some of my favourite takeover performances right now

What’s behind the trend of mini-musicals on Broadway?

Advice

Michael Carklin: 'The ability to listen is the foundation of collaboration'

Michael Carklin: 'The ability to listen is the foundation of collaboration'

Fabia-Maria Cerra: 'I got my first paid acting job after 12 years of auditioning'

Fabia-Maria Cerra: 'I got my first paid acting job after 12 years of auditioning'

Emily LeQuesne: 'Without the arts, what are we for?'

Emily LeQuesne: 'Without the arts, what are we for?'

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay: 'If you feel lost, you’re probably in the right place – on your own path'

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay: 'If you feel lost, you’re probably in the right place – on your own path'

Most Commented

Unicorn Theatre names Rebekah Jones executive director

Unicorn Theatre names Rebekah Jones executive director

Rebekah Jones has been made the executive director and co-chief executive at south London children’s venue the Unicorn Theatre

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Unicorn Theatre names Rebekah Jones executive director

Unicorn Theatre names Rebekah Jones executive director

Rebekah Jones has been made the executive director and co-chief executive at south London children’s venue the Unicorn Theatre

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Castings

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Hunger Games play to open at new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre

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Fleabag producer Francesca Moody signs first-look TV deal with Phoebe Waller-Bridge

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The Last Laugh review

“Wistful and nostalgic”

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Reviews by Tom WickerNoël Coward Theatre, London

A day in the life of… a movement director: Sasha Harrington

A day in the life of… a movement director: Sasha Harrington

Long Reads by Lyn Gardner

Advice

Michael Carklin: 'The ability to listen is the foundation of collaboration'

Michael Carklin: 'The ability to listen is the foundation of collaboration'

Fabia-Maria Cerra: 'I got my first paid acting job after 12 years of auditioning'

Fabia-Maria Cerra: 'I got my first paid acting job after 12 years of auditioning'

Emily LeQuesne: 'Without the arts, what are we for?'

Emily LeQuesne: 'Without the arts, what are we for?'

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay: 'If you feel lost, you’re probably in the right place – on your own path'

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay: 'If you feel lost, you’re probably in the right place – on your own path'

Recommended for you

Hunger Games play to open at new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre

Hunger Games play to open at new Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre

Production News by Georgia Luckhurst

Fleabag producer Francesca Moody signs first-look TV deal with Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Fleabag producer Francesca Moody signs first-look TV deal with Phoebe Waller-Bridge

News by Georgia Luckhurst

The Last Laugh review

“Wistful and nostalgic”

The Last Laugh review

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A day in the life of… a movement director: Sasha Harrington

A day in the life of… a movement director: Sasha Harrington

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