For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace—a meeting like no other in British public life—it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses. The Audience breaks this contract of silence – and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional—sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. Helen Mirren reprises her Academy Award winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of The Audience, broadcast live from London's Gielgud Theatre as part of National Theatre Live on 13 June, 2013. The Audience reunites writer Peter Morgan and Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren following their collaboration on the critically-acclaimed movie sensation The Queen.

Director: Stephen Daldry

Screenplay: Peter Morgan

Starring: Helen Mirren, Richard McCabe

Runtime: 173 min.

National Theatre of China

Royal National Theatre

Beijing ATW Culture Media Co. Ltd.

British Council

IELTS

2015 sees the first ever UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange – showcasing the very best of UK culture in China and Chinese culture in the UK.

A unique opportunity to further deepen and strengthen the UK's existing relationship with China across the arts and creative industries, the 2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange will build on our long and shared rich cultural histories, and seek to inspire what this creative partnership means in the 21st Century.

The Year comprises of two ‘seasons’ of culture – a UK season in China in the first half of 2015 and a China season in the UK in the second half of 2015.

The UK season in China sees a contemporary, adventurous, multi-disciplinary and innovative programme of around 30 projects across China. Through these projects, and supporting dialogues and visits between professionals, the Year showcases the diversity and excitement of the UK’s creative, cultural sector and of our many fine artists. This is supported by a significant digital offering, including on social media and a new digital arts platform, for showcasing and for connecting all those interested in two cultures, and how the UK and China work together.