Will the National see a performer take over after Nicholas Hytner?

Theatreland is still abuzz with speculation as to who might take over at the National after Nicholas Hytner. Actor Adrian Lester told me at last night’s Olivier Awards that the position has “been in a director’s hands for so long that it might be good to have a performer take over. I kind of feel like sending Kenneth Branagh an email saying ‘how about it?’”

Composer Tim Minchin revealed his ambitions for the longevity of his musical Matilda. “You want to stick around for long enough that someone goes ‘Oh God, not that again. I’m going to have to shoot myself in the mouth.’ That,” he deadpanned, “is the dream.”