Life in Stages S1 Ep4: Bill Nighy, Andrew Lincoln and Chiwetel Ejiofor in conversation at the NT

Award-winning actors Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Andrew Lincoln reunite 20 years on from starring together in Joe Penhall’s critically acclaimed Blue/Orange at the National Theatre (2000) and in much-loved film Love Actually (2003). Subscribe for more from the National Theatre: kzbin.info...
The trio get together to discuss and reflect on their extensive acting careers. Filmed in the empty Lyttelton theatre, Life in Stages is the National Theatre’s brand-new interview series profiling some of the biggest names in British theatre.
The play text and poster for Blue/Orange are available from the National Theatre Bookshop. Every purchase supports the work of the National Theatre: shop.nationalt...
S1 Ep1 Olivia Colman and Rufus Norris: • Life in Stages S1 Ep1:...
S1 Ep2 Jessie Buckley and Josh O'Connor: • Life in Stages S1 Ep2:...
S1 Ep3 Adrian Lester and Meera Syal: • Life in Stages S1 Ep3:...
S1 Ep4 Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bill Nighy and Andrew Lincoln: • Life in Stages S1 Ep4:...
S1 Ep5 Dominic Cooke and Sophie Okonedo: • Life in Stages S1 Ep5:...
S1 Ep6 Clint Dyer and Kae Tempest: • Life in Stages S1 Ep6:...
Each episode of Life in Stages features a pair of creatives reflecting on their stage careers, and revealing the funny, personal and poignant stories behind everything from their earliest theatre memory to their biggest professional highs and lows.
Life in Stages is produced by National Theatre and Wing. This series is kindly supported by Charles Stanley Wealth Managers.
#NationalTheatre #LifeInStages #BillNighy #ChiwetelEjiofor #AndrewLincoln
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[@NationalTheatre]

Fun fact! Bill, Chiwetel and Andrew all went for pizza on Southbank, London, after recording this conversation, as they used to do when they were performing in Blue/Orange at the National Theatre.

[@vic9543]

...in a taxi and listening to Barry White while inhaling M&Ms?

[@speedify1093]

Wow gg.

[@vaanya8163]

Wowieee that is so sweet

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

can you recommend the place? not to stalk but to eat.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

hello is blue/orange available to see anywhere like on national theatre at home???

[@carolcaldwell]

BEST QUOTE EVER: "I'm not good at happiness but I'm quite good at relief." Hahahaha 🤣

[@ReallyGottaTap]

Yes, I paused the video to write that one down.

[@helenl3193]

Such a mood!

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

for many relief is happiness

[@carolclark1406]

Bill's a darling!

[@WHITEYY18LOVER]

I can not wait to see ANDY. I've missed him so much. 🥰

[@sharonroyal3594]

If Bill Nighy just read a phonebook, I probably would be entertained. I wish I could see film of everything he ever performed, whether stage, movies or tv. Maybe, someone will make a documentary.

[@irenejohnston6802]

Bill Nighy, so cool, seemingly effortless

[@sephrajackson3381]

Oh how I’ve missed my Blue Eyed British Angel aka Andrew Lincoln 💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@Rknowles813]

I miss Andrew Lincoln on TWD so much

[@heidilundpriskorn4942]

Bill Nighy, such a wonderful actor. And the 3 of them make such a great team.

[@TheKlysk]

I thought it was a Love Actually reunion!

[@wonka3209]

OMG! Right!

[@ziggyplayedaccordion]

The whole conversation is a pure delight. Three absolute masters of their craft. I wish this video could go for hours, thank you for this gem!

[@xinxinli8779]

I am really touched by Chiwetel’s comment on Covid in the end. Really look forward to experiencing these thought-provoking exchange in the theatre in-person soon.

[@danielhawksford7410]

Just the tonic I need for my doubts and fears about performing. More actors like Bill pls.

[@bluecowboyyoga]

I thought about simply listening to this and letting it play like a podcast while I went about 'tasking'-I'm so glad I didn't and really one can't. Their conversation is so lovely, refreshing, honest-and expressive. Which is why one really has to *watch* this to appreciate all of it. Thank you for sharing it NT :)))

[@precioustraveler]

I was about to just listen while drifting of to sleep in bed; however, your comment changed my mind. I’ll wait and WATCH it in the morning. Thanks!

[@helenl3193]

I attempted to just listen while making dinner. ... The food burned, but it was definitely worth it!

[@justachickwholovesmash]

I can not bloody wait for the theatre doors to open, the stage lights to go down and the magic to begin!

[@tashannholloway5292]

So great to see Andy again. 🔥🥰 We miss him so much. 🥺 This new content will be a treat.❤ Thank you for sharing the experience with his fans. He is loved.😘

[@michonnegrimes880]

This was awesome between these three great actors and friends. So happy to watch Andy, Chiwetel and Bill speak in their element and about their theater roots. 🥰

[@angelacompton7630]

@Bill Nighy Same words

[@annethomas5727]

I wish the National would run Blue Orange again as I clearly missed a wonderful play, I assume it would have to be recast but their discussion is a great advert for it, So enjoyed this discussion appreciate all three actors, Bill Nighy is such a good raconteur. Thanks for putting this on.

[@marjoriehayes2906]

I think they could all play those roles again.

[@helenl3193]

It does sound like it was a very intense show and probably very draining as a result, so I wouldn't blame them of they didn't want to revisit it, but I'd love if they did. I also wonder how their experiences since (both in life as well as professional growth) would colour their performances. It does definitely sound like a play that's just as relevant today (unfortunately)

[@MegaPropi]

I think it's safe to assume that the original run was not recorded in any way? There are hardly any photos from it, let alone recordings, to be found on Google...

[@charlesanderson2213]

What a pleasure to see the cast of Blue/Orange together again. One of my favourite theatrical experiences of the last 20 years. The love of the craft, and their amazing life stories, made this conversation a joy. Cannot wait to get back to the theatre.

[@amyistlost3862]

I cannot wait to see Andrew!

[@ReallyGottaTap]

Wonderful to see great actors being lovely, thoughtful people as well. Thank you. The art of acting and the art of living align.

[@birgittbach3298]

It was so good. The openness and connectedness of the three was a touching experience. I will work on my English language skills, because many of the intricacies of the conversation I still had to work hard to learn. Because I don't want to miss anything. I enjoyed this conversation so much. Thank you.

[@helenl3193]

I hope this isn't condescending to say, especially as a random stranger but, I wouldn't have known from your comment that English isn't your first language if you hadn't said. Kudos on learning a new language - I have dyslexia and REALLY struggle with languages much to my frustration so am always very impressed by others who can master it. I hope your studies have continued well and you're going from strength to strength with it :)

[@angelacompton7630]

@Bill Nighy The exact words I received on messenger in April 2021!!!

[@angelacompton7630]

@Bill Nighy Whoever you are it’s all so over rehearsed!

[@missnwo9563]

Thank you for this I love both Andrew and chiwetel I hope they work together again they have great chemistry and are amazing talents

[@anitadannenfelser8072]

Oh Andrew, your so missed. We all love you so. Mesmerizing

[@gm9075]

AL is right. Never prick your sausage...and no, that's not a euphemism..! What an utterly brilliant chat...more please...

[@gaildeal7826]

I saw Blue/Orange and sat on the stage. It was such a powerful experience. I took a group of students. Some of them could not get over the spit in the lights!

[@ladisneyprincesse]

The three of them did this play, worked on Love Actually, two of them became Disney villains, two were in zombie material!

[@alessandradiciaccia1929]

I want see Bill Nighy 😍😍😍

[@vic9543]

Same here, see and listen to him.

[@alessandradiciaccia1929]

@@vic9543 Exactly, I love him ❤

[@adoculos4521]

I see him regularly in local cafes as he lives near me. Amazingly, he looks very ordinary in real life, and quite old now.

[@michelleharris4219]

This was absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much for bringing this to us, what a joy to listen to...I was only unhappy when it ended 💕😊💕

[@احمداحمد-ص2ط1ض]

I can’t wait to see andy oh god i’ve missed him so much 😭❤️

[@Mia7189]

I plan to visit NYC and see some amazing theater when Broadway opens up in the Fall, and next year, I will definitely visit London and take in some theater on the West End. Can't wait!

[@anapolessi9822]

Three great actors! I like them so much but i love Andy!

[@vickisika375]

Looking forward to hear Chiwetel & others

[@abinthomasabraham5033]

Andrew lincoln👍

[@subberfischer]

Blue/Orange was one of the best new plays I remember seeing, I knew none of those three actors at the time, very, very memorable. Fantastic stuff, and so relevant.

[@VarietyD]

This is Brilliant, Thought Provoking yet Inspiring 😌🎭❤💜😎

[@elsi8011]

Omg I have loved to see Andy again 🥰❤

[@taylorMFilms]

Marvellous, marvellous conversation with greats.

[@mandamooseful]

One day, I'll actually make it to see a play at the National. These conversations are making it more of goal now. Just bloody hard if you don't live within commuting distance of the capital!

[@helenl3193]

I know it's not exactly the same experience as being there, but FYI they do have an 'at home' option now, for non-Londoners and those of us who have health/accessibility issues. It was such a treat for me when I discovered it as I live in London but struggle to get to the theatre since a back injury a decade ago. Anyway just in case you weren't aware of it because most of my friends weren't :)

[@simonlawrencesings]

I feel very lucky to have seen their production of Blue/Orange. It has stayed with me ever since as one of the greatest pieces of theatre I've ever seen.

[@carolmcbrideonline]

ABSOLUTELY a treasure to hear you!

[@CasperLCat]

Andrew’s voice on Walking Dead isn’t just perfectly American and slightly Southern, it often seems to come from a very deep, grave, weary place, that isn’t his real-life placement, judging by his actual voice, here. Very cool.

[@dantyn6705]

I f-ing loved this thanks!

[@garybland782]

All class. How I have missed going to the theatre as a punter, and being on stage as an actor.

[@marcialeal6376]

Wow!! Great actors👏👏 Brilhant 😍😍😍

[@TraceyOfficial]

This was heartening and important. Thank you Gentlemen, thank you to all involved.

[@ivy16x81]

ahh the love actually reunion of it all 🥰💕

[@felibhr]

Fabulous interview, thanks for posting 🇦🇺

[@seraphindavid1898]

Ha they were all in Love Actually. Neat.

[@seanmcquillan8024]

“Lazy casting” (what a great chat)

[@joelgreenberg8640]

life in stages must continue on and on

[@JustMe_360]

I'm only here for my baby Andrew ❤😭 Love the socks btw 🤣💛

[@Sliverth]

Nighy: “I’m not good at happiness but I’m quite good at relief.”

[@cmebake]

3 amazing British actors. I'm American, but British actors are unique...im my opinion. Andrew lincoln has my ❤️

[@StefanosVlas]

What a joy to listen to these guys...

[@gabikunda3952]

Am here for Rick Grimes ❤️ love them all though.

[@molliep21]

This is such a delight

[@samtrotter7177]

Looking forward to this!

[@lauragoblin]

Grazie! This was amazing!

[@sashana8310]

All 3 great actors. Missing Andy especially though; one of the nicest guys

[@anapolessi9822]

Lovely!

[@ViserysTargaryen_78]

I want to get into acting

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

I know what I am watching after I get home from work tonight.

[@seanmcquillan8024]

Loved this,thank you.

[@upendasana7857]

The play blue/orange sounds like a really important play...especially for psychiatrists to see...did any psychiatrists get invited to the production? ...anyway,I wished I'd have seen it because it sounds like the kind of conversations that need to be had about "mental health","madness or psychosis ...guess I'm gonna have to go and read the play.Such a shame that we cannot see dramas or plays like this on TV ...so many TV dramas are utterly without substance or deal with the kind of pressing subjects that they use to in the 70/80's as I remember even as a kid. Maybe the National could do one of those streaming into cinemas of this play so we all could see it again ? that would be great !!

[@r4b32t11]

What a fab trio… 👌🏼

[@anapolessi9822]

Pessoal, preciso ir. Mais tarde quero ver tudo novamente! Meu xerife!

[@emmaknightley]

Didn't realize they were in something together before Love Actually!

[@precioustraveler]

That was a JOY!

[@sandrashevey8252]

And Hopkins nicked it from Steve McQueen who did it in the Fifties in one of the `Alfred Hitchcock Presents` episodes: `Man From the South`. I LOVED it when McQueen did it and he did it to the actress who became his wife (Neile Adams).

[@danielj2000]

Lets gooo! Love actually reunion!

[@h20delorian]

Really enjoying this so far :) Left off at 4:13

[@paulwhiteheadmusic]

3 Love Actually heavyweights right there!

[@jackieheaney6864]

Fantastic!!!

[@slaveofgod8474]

I hope bill has a social media that he actually use to stay in touch with his fans

[@anapolessi9822]

Anthony Hopkins fantástic history!lol!

[@macca5986]

RIP Bill mate xx

[@adoculos4521]

WTF are you blabbering about?? Are you off your meds??

[@luciavitale5903]

I Wish You all the best

[@luciavitale5903]

I saw the film amistad. I think it is very good

[@luciavitale5903]

Davy Jones !!

[@ladisneyprincesse]

With Scar and Rick!

[@gamingjohn96]

I wonder if he will bring up the walking dead

[@HM-yb7hv]

Did he?

[@Pau1071]

@@HM-yb7hv yes

[@anapolessi9822]

I have to go now, bye beautiful people!

[@luciavitale5903]

Tough trio!

[@chetleonard169]

The people who built Hlwd back in the 30's are long gone , and so are their sensibilities.

[@NEIL-CURCIO]

They should show this in Drama school

[@d.rabbitwhite]

SO, is drama school not there so that one can get access to information about parts? Isn't that really the reason we do any of the arts schooling? To have access to something...time, space, opportunity...?

[@d.rabbitwhite]

I mean because the real learning happens when we do stuff in the world?

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

a driver? does the playwright get a driver as well?

[@rigsby1454]

‘They thought it was a musical, it wasn’t a musical..it was a play about AIDS’

[@missbritney777]

😂😂😂

[@missbritney777]

This is hilarious!

[@chetleonard169]

Being on a film set, and having someone bring you a Frappucino isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sorry

[@natha1]

😍😍😍

[@ttyf9245]

ريك❤😍

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

He's talking about professional actors who do what they do as a job. Nowadays you have way too many touchy feely emotional kids trying to become actors because they're lazy and they don't want to do anything else, and so they don't want to learn their lines

[@ttyf9245]

Rick

[@MartinMaynard]

Interesting talk but what awful camera work, like someone has a box of new toys to play with.

[@KC-qi7gn]

I think Chewetel Edigiaford, Idris Elba, Hugh Jakmen, Liam Nieesin ect r 4 of many more England 🇬🇧 Based/USA Actor's out there Broadway N/or movies

[@WinnipegTouristDept]

It is great that they addressed being a black man in Britain, and homosexuality, because nobody else in the UK media or arts ever talks about such things