Oliver Ford Davies in Playing With Fire at National; Plus more guests announced for 'In Conversation' series

Oliver Ford Davies in Playing With Fire at National; Plus more guests announced for 'In Conversation' series

Casting update for Playing With Fire by David Edgar, at the Olivier, NT, opening 21 Sep 2005, following previews from 12 Sep 2005, closing 22 Oct 2005 . Oliver Ford Davies has been confirmed to join Emma Fielding.

Playing With Fire is directed by Michael Attenborough with lighting by Mark Henderson. When the District Council of Wyverdale fails to satisfy a government audit, New Labour high-flyer Alex is sent north from London to formulate a robust recovery plan. But websites, faith festivals and council leaflets in Bengali seem beside the point to the Labour old guard, struggling to provide the basics to an alienated and divided electorate.

What begins as a metro-versus-retro comedy of misunderstanding soon becomes a chilling drama about multicultural Britain. Populist politicians play the race card, racial tensions grow and good intentions have fatal consequences.

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All guests are now confirmed for The National Theatre's In Conversation series.

The ever-popular summer series of informal interviews with NT actors. Chaired by Al Senter.

3pm (60 mins), Cottesloe, £5

13 Jul 2005
Geraldine James
The actress Geraldine James, currently appearing in 'The UN Inspector' talks about her work

22 Jul 2005
Penelope Wilton
Penelope Wilton, currently playing the title role in The House of Bernarda Alba discusses her career

27 Jul 2005
Michael Sheen
The UN Inspector himself answers questions about his professional life

3 Aug 2005
David Harewood
David Harewood, recently Lord Asriel and now Hotspur, talks about his career

12 Aug 2005
David Bradley
Currently playing The King in Henry IV, David Bradley talks about his career.

17 Aug 2005
Kenneth Cranham
The former Inspector Goole, now subject of a UN inspection in the Olivier talks about his work