National Theatre Faces Criticism Over Recent Productions

Docudrama 'In The Print' and Gothic Mystery 'The Authenticator' Receive Mixed Reviews

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up image of heavily textured, crumpled theatrical curtains in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the behind-the-scenes challenges facing the National Theatre.The National Theatre's recent productions have exposed a crisis of curation and execution, as the institution struggles to transform raw creative ideas into polished, compelling performances.Syracuse Today

The National Theatre, a renowned institution, is facing scrutiny over its recent productions, 'In The Print' and 'The Authenticator'. The docudrama 'In The Print', which explores the Rupert Murdoch-led battle against print unions in the 1980s, has been criticized for its lack of nuance and character development. Meanwhile, the Gothic mystery 'The Authenticator' has been deemed dramatically inert, with an overly complex plot that fails to engage the audience.

Why it matters

As a leading cultural institution, the National Theatre is expected to set the standard for high-quality, thought-provoking theatre. The issues with these recent productions raise questions about the theatre's curation process, editorial support, and overall commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for its audience.

The details

The docudrama 'In The Print' has been criticized for its superficial portrayal of key figures like Rupert Murdoch and union leader Brenda Dean. The play's reluctance to delve into the complex realities of these individuals is seen as a missed opportunity. Similarly, 'The Authenticator' has been described as dramatically inert, with an overly complex plot that fails to engage the audience. The play's obsession with minor details and scattered potential plot threads has left many viewers confused and disengaged.

  • The National Theatre has been grappling with these issues since the productions premiered in 2026.

The players

Rupert Murdoch

A media mogul who played a central role in the battle against print unions in the 1980s, as depicted in the docudrama 'In The Print'.

Brenda Dean

The union leader who faced off against Rupert Murdoch in the 1980s, as portrayed in the docudrama 'In The Print'.

Winsome Pinnock

The playwright behind the Gothic mystery 'The Authenticator', which has been criticized for its overly complex plot and lack of dramatic engagement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The National Theatre will need to re-evaluate its entire production process, from script selection to rehearsal room support, in order to address the issues plaguing these recent productions. The institution must recognize the need for experienced editors and dramaturgs to help shape raw materials into compelling, stage-ready performances.

The takeaway

The problems with 'In The Print' and 'The Authenticator' highlight a deeper crisis at the National Theatre, one that goes beyond individual scripts. The institution must prioritize curation, editorial support, and a commitment to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences for its audience, or risk further damage to its reputation as a bastion of artistic excellence.