The Art of Imagination

Hosted ByTess Ryland

Artist-on-artist conversations hosted by our creative director, who has worked in musical theatre, film, and literature in New York City and abroad for over 35 years and enjoys speaking with others about their craft, training, and experiences in these fields. AoI is a nonprofit, ad-free celebration of the arts focusing on the insights and accomplishments of longtime creative professionals. Cover art illustrated by Umangi Hettiarachchi.

Simon Evans

Simon Evans is the writer and director of the BBC’s Staged, starring Michael Sheen, David Tennant, and Simon himself alongside a revolving door of appearances from an incredible lineup of actors such as Dame Judi Dench. Filmed primarily over Zoom during the pandemic, the series brought much-needed levity, laughs, and joy to many people during a very dark time in a style that managed to feel both mainstream and extremely unique. Simon also has an extensive background as a theatre director, writer, and actor, including his original double bill The Vanishing Man / The Extinction Event and his fantastic new production of Cyrano De Bergerac, starring Adrian Lester at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He’s a multitalented artist and a comedic genius, so it was brilliant speaking with him about the magic of live performance and growing alongside his surprise hit series.

Staged

Streaming: Amazon | Apple | BBC iplayer | Roku | BritBox | ABC iview
Extra: New Year’s special | Outtakes

Cyrano De Bergerac

Trailer
What the play is about
Bringing the play to the stage

The Vanishing Man / The Extinction Event

Trailer
Performing a close-up magic trick

Other Productions

Killer Joe
The Dazzle
Bug
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

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