Nicholas Hytner in conversation with Alan Bennett

There may be many opportunities to question Nicholas Hytner in May because he's out and about promoting his new book Balancing Acts. For example, on Sunday 21 May at 7.00pm at Bristol Old Vic, chaired by Tom Morris: www.bristololdvic.org.uk/nicholas-hytner-balancing-acts.html

I considered going but have instead opted to spend A Day by the Sea with Onyx Brass outdoors in the Vale of Glamorgan, with the final concert at the Eastern Shelter, Barry Island due to include the world premiere of a commission for Fairground Organ and Brass Quintet. valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk/concerts/a-day-by-the-sea/

I assume that no one here went to the Foyles event a couple of weeks ago.

Last night's Festival of Ideas event at Bristol Old Vic was very satisfactory. In an unrushed hour, a lot of ground was covered with some resonance. As Tom Morris was an NT Associate for so many years, he knew exactly how to play Nicholas Hytner for the best benefit of the occasion. I expect that Simon Russell Beale will be able to do similarly tonight at the NT, but in a different key.

Last night was definitely one of those sessions where you come out with much more respect for and understanding of the subject. No one asked any challenging questions but it felt that we were genuinely probing the aspects that were discussed.