If you pop by the National Theatre in the next 12 months or so, you might well come across one of my shots making up a mighty ad board for the ongoing NT Live programme.
NT Live Poster feat.one of my Hamlet shots (Poster courtesy of and ©National Theatre)
I originally photographed a tech run of the NT Live performance of Hamlet, with Rory Kinnear in the lead role, back in November 2010, for photos to accompany an article for The Stage on digital trends in theatre.
I was writing about various initiatives like NT Live, Digital Theatre and others, that bring different approaches to the recording and broadcasting of live performance, and looking at the extent to which technology is becoming part of modern performance.
The piece is in the Stage’s online archive; alas not available free-to-read.
NT Live Hamlet ©Michael Wharley
But at the same time, I enjoyed what was effectively a command performance of an outstanding production, with just myself and a few cameramen looking on!
As you can see from the shot here, rather than production shots, I was trying to capture both the moment of the performance, and the fact of it being recorded – not the easiest task technically, with such harsh contrast between on-stage and off-stage light levels.
The photos actually ended up not being used with the piece in print, but happily they’ve had a life elsewhere.
I'm not making it up - just near the Lyttleton entrance...
The National asked to use them in the 2011 NESTA report assessing the success of NT Live, and latterly we’ve agreed a year or so’s use on the poster board for this shot.
I like the yellow hues that the NT’s design team have given the image and of course it’s always a pleasure having your work in a place where so many people will see it.
Yep: in a funny sort of way, I’m on at The Nash darling…..
(There are a few more shots from the performance here.
Plus, you’ll spot the ad board just near the entrance to the Lyttleton-, so tip your cap to it for me if you pass by!)
MW 27/07/2012
