The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) forming an unusual bond with the eccentric Miss Shepherd (Dame Maggie Smith), who lived in a van parked on his driveway for 15 years.
Bennett, who wrote the book, play, and script for the film, visited the Goring Hotel in Belgravia for afternoon tea with Sir Nicholas Hytner, the director.
The pair discuss Maggie Smith’s acting prowess and her techniques on set, as well as how Hytner thinks the film version allows the audience to connect with the characters more than in the theatre production.
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Bennett and Hytner also discuss collaborating during the transformation from stage to screen. The two were both involved in the original West End run in 1999, which also starred Jennings and Smith.
Hytner is also set to open a new theatre with Nick Starr in 2017 next to Tower Bridge – the first of several theatre openings planned by the pair.
The Lady In The Van is available on Blu-Ray and DVD now
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