In Talking Theatre Richard Eyre gets behind the scenes of the theatre industry with many of the biggest names in the business. He discusses the art and craft of the actor with the likes of John Gielgud, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Fiona Shaw. The rise of Broadway is explored in conversation with composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, director Arthur Laurents and the playwrights Arthur Miller and August Wilson. The history and development of modern drama is analysed with writers and directors including Alan Ayckbourn, Alan Bennett, Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard, Peter Brook, Peter Hall and Trevor Nunn. The interviews also look to the future of theatre and debate how it can continue to thrive in the face of mass entertainment and modern media.