The week in theatre: Britannicus; Tony! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera); The Haunting of Susan A
Britannicus review – political drama is deadly serious but full of sass
July 2020
You name it, she's played it: the sublime classical actor Barbara Jefford
She has given unforgettable performances in Shakespeare, Chekhov and Shaw over her extraordinary 70-year career. Where’s this great actor’s damehood?
September 2015
From Oedipus to The History Boys: Michael Billington's 101 greatest plays
In his new book, the Guardian’s theatre critic has selected what he thinks are the 101 greatest plays ever written, in any language – so do you agree?
August 2015
Choosing my 101 greatest plays – and why I left out King Lear
How do you even begin to pick the world’s 101 greatest plays? The Guardian’s theatre critic explains how he approached this controversial task for his new book – and admits he is already having second thoughts
June 2015
Andromache review – torrid love rectangle gets fine revival
A reminder of the power of Racine’s 1667 exploration of obsessive love in ancient Greece, Edward Kemp’s excellent new translation has an impressive young cast
October 2012
Private Lives; Berenice; The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – review
Berenice – review
September 2012
Alan Hollinghurst: translating Racine
Described as a 'ravishing elegy', Berenice is today regarded as one of Racine's best works. But how to translate such a formally rigorous play?
October 2011
Britannicus - review
It is well worth the detour to London's East End to catch Irina Brown's modern-dress revival of this austere masterpiece, writes Michael Billington
March 2010
My hero
Patrick Marber by Craig Raine
Patrick Marber by Craig Raine
July 2009
Theatre blog
The National Theatre's Phèdre gets a Mexican wave
Lucy Popescu: Helen Mirren and Dominic Cooper went down a storm in Mexico City, proving that the NT Live season reaches the parts other theatres can't
June 2009
National Theatre Live: Phèdre
Chelsea Cinema, London The National Theatre's live broadcast of Racine's play, starring Helen Mirren, works even better in the cinema, thinks Michael Billington
What to say about
What to say about ... Helen Mirren in Phèdre
At first glance, it's DCI Jane Tennison snogging a History Boy. But it turns out the Prime Suspect star and Hollywood queen has chosen a weighty Racine tragedy for her return to the stage
Phèdre
Phèdre
Theatre blog
What to see: Lyn Gardner's theatre tips
May 2009
In praise of ...
In praise of ... Jean Racine
Editorial: Something is surely afoot in British cultural life when, as happened in London last week, a play by Racine is suddenly the hot ticket
November 2007
Andromaque
Declan Donnellan takes liberties with the most studied and performed play in the French canon - and it works, says Fiachra Gibbons
August 2007
Phaedre
Three stars Maxie Szalwinska on a site-specific production of Racine's tragedy about the brawl between passion and reason.
