Royal National Theatre

The Royal National Theatre of Great Britain, commonly known as the National Theatre within the UK, is a performing arts venue and associated theatre company based in London. Established in 1962, the theatre presents a varied programme, including Shakespeare, classic drama, and new plays by contemporary playwrights. The theatre is internationally renowned and has played a huge role in the cultural evolution of British theatre. This guide will explore the history and impact of the National Theatre throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Key Dates & Events

• 1879: Poet and playwright Matthew Arnold proposes the idea of a national theatre.
• 1904: Harley Granville-Barker and William Archer publish a formal proposal for a national theatre.
• 1937: The London County Council offers a site on the South Bank for the future theatre.
• 1949: The National Theatre Act is passed, establishing the National Theatre as a public institution.
• 1962: The government commits funds to the project, and Laurence Olivier is appointed the first artistic director.
• 1963: The National Theatre Company opens in October with a production of Hamlet at the Old Vic Theatre, starring Peter O'Toole and directed by Laurence Olivier.
• 1976: The National Theatre moves to its permanent home on the South Bank of the Thames, with the new building designed by Sir Denys Lasdun.
• 1976: The South Bank complex is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October.
• 1976-1988: Peter Hall serves as artistic director.
• 1980: The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, becomes a major success.
• 1988-1997: Richard Eyre takes over as artistic director.
• 1990: Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III premieres.
• 1992: Tony Kushner's Angels in America is staged, directed by Declan Donnellan.
• 1997-2003: Trevor Nunn serves as artistic director.
• 2003-2015: Nicholas Hytner's tenure as artistic director brings innovative productions and the introduction of National Theatre Live.
• 2004: Alan Bennett's The History Boys premieres. It is later adapted into a successful film.
• 2007: War Horse debuts, directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris. It becomes an international success.
• 2009: The launch of National Theatre Live, broadcasting performances to cinemas worldwide.
• 2013: NT Future Project begins, aimed at refurbishing and modernizing the theatre's facilities.
• 2013: The National Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special performance.
• 2015-Present: Rufus Norris becomes artistic director, focusing on diversity, outreach, and continuing the tradition of innovative programming.
• 2018: National Theatre Live broadcasts its 10th anniversary season.
• 2020: The National Theatre responds to the COVID-19 pandemic by streaming performances online, expanding its digital presence.

Terminology

• Artistic Director: The person with overall responsibility for the selection and interpretation of the works performed by a theatre