Jamie Lloyd at rehersals for Macbeth

Following the huge success of his production of Macbeth starring James McAvoy, director Jamie Lloyd is now 'Transforming Trafalgar' with his interpretation of Pinter's The Hothouse. To accompany this production, Lloyd has also scheduled a season of Trafalgar Takeovers to inspire thought and discussion around this most political of plays. Events include a Pinter workshop with Jamie himself, Q&As with the cast, two Pinter Shorts performed by a cast including Joanna Lumley and Andrew Scott, and a variety of panel discussions including a discussion on the abuse of human rights.

We spoke to Jamie Lloyd about the power of Pinter, politics and theatre.

Run-Riot: What were you looking to achieve when programming the Trafalgar Takeovers season?

Jamie Lloyd: I believe that theatre can be a springboard for discussion and imagination, so this programme of extra events is a great way of using a production (in this case, The Hothouse) as an impulse for further investigation. Also, it means that audiences come away with a richer, deeper understanding of that particular production via accompanying events, which explore some of its themes. The aim is to make Trafalgar Transformed a destination venue this year, so providing audiences with an eclectic range of experiences is a huge part of that. Plus, we are situated just a few steps away from the centre of British politics, so it feels appropriate that our season is politically-charged and driven by a social conscience.

RR: You'll be hosting a Pinter workshop yourself- what makes Pinter so special?

JL: His plays always feel so fresh and alive. They are rich, intriguing puzzles, which never patronise audiences; you have to do a lot of work to solve the riddles contained in each one. They are unsettling and surprisingly funny in equal measure. They become the blueprint for provocative evenings in the theatre.

John Simm and Simon Russell Beale in The Hothouse

RR: You'll also be chatting to Pinter's wife Lady Antonia Fraser- how has she given you greater insight into Pinter's life and work?

JL: Her memoir of their marriage, Must You Go, is incredibly honest, witty and, ultimately, deeply touching. She humanises the icon. He was a man with complexities, foibles and idiosyncrasies like the rest of us, but his profound sense of justice was inspirational. I can't wait to find out more.

RR: What made you choose to put on Pinter's shorts Family Voices and Victoria Station?JL: They are two of the most lyrical, intense and humorous of his shorter plays, and they are rarely performed. They feel like they are about disconnected voices in a big city, reaching out across a void, which feels like an apposite topic to explore at Trafalgar, right in the heart of London. This production gives an opportunity for my assistant, Edward Stambollouian, to flex his directorial muscles. We want the season to become a springboard for young talent and Edward deserves this kind of showcase. He's got some exciting, imaginative ideas for this double bill.

RR: The cast for these shorts includes Joanna Lumley- do you think plays need famous cast members these days to compete with the cinema?

JL: I'm interested in casting the most dynamic actors possible. Some of those happen to be famous, but we've cast a lot of astonishing actors at Trafalgar who are not household names. You've got to cast people who are absolutely appropriate for the roles and challenge them to be the very best they can be.

RR: The Trafalgar Takeovers finishes with a panel discussion on the abuse of human rights- what do you expect people to take away from this? Will it be a call to action?

JL: Every platform debate at Trafalgar Transformed has been fiery and provocative so far. They are about investigating the themes of the plays, whilst pushing people to confront challenging problems and to start asking bigger questions. Perhaps they will continue to discuss each subject and, yes, take front-footed action. Theatre must continue to find a way to become a vital aspect of our lives. Entering into a discussion with the world outside the building's walls is one of the ways we can do that. These debates are the most important aspect of the season.

Book tickets for The Hothouse and the Trafalgar Takeovers events here.