David Byrne, the Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre in London is Leonie Mellinger’s guest in this episode.

In a fascinating conversation, that must surely be essential listening for anyone writing plays in the UK today, David details the process of getting new work commissioned at the theatre.

He tells Leonie about his cultural philosophy and why it is important for challenging pieces to be staged at the Royal Court, including plays that no other theatre would consider.

An award-winning playwright, in 2010 he was part of the founding team at the New Diorama Theatre in Camden. He spent 13 years there as Artistic Director before moving on to Sloane Square in 2024.

The Royal Court celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026, having built its reputation on new writing and often provocative work. From Joe Orton and John Osborne to Jez Butterworth and Caryl Churchill, many highly-rated post-war writers have been given opportunities at the theatre.

David shares what it is like to run the Royal Court in an age of social media, financial pressure, cancel culture and polarisation and discusses why he believes passionately in completely backing writers whose work he programmes, as well supporting the next generation of British talent.

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The Courage to Speak is from Leonie Mellinger Ltd.

It is produced by Square Elephant Productions with Danny Garlick.

Theme music composed by Guy Pearson.