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National Theatre Turns 50: 50 Stories Unveiled
30 Jul
Summary
- A free outdoor installation will feature 50 stories from the theatre's history.
- An apprenticeship named after architect Sir Denys Lasdun will launch.
- The building is now a celebrated landmark of brutalist architecture.
The National Theatre is commemorating its 50th anniversary on the South Bank with a special free outdoor installation. Titled 'Stories Start Here: 50 Stories for 50 Years,' this exhibit will open on Queen's Walk in October 2026. It is designed to resemble the amphitheatre seating of the Olivier Theatre and will present 50 unique stories recounting the building's rich history.
Visitors can engage with these narratives through recordings of actors, writers, directors, staff, and audience members. A story station will provide printed mementos, and recordings will be accessible globally via the Bloomberg Connects app. The theatre is also establishing the Denys Lasdun Apprenticeship.
This initiative, named after the building's architect, will offer training in crucial mechanical and electrical engineering skills necessary for the theatre's upkeep. The NT Skills Centre will manage this program, which partners with Bank of America to train individuals across the UK annually. Indhu Rubasingham highlighted the building's role as a community gathering space.
Originally home to the Old Vic for 13 years, the company moved into its purpose-built South Bank location between 1969 and 1976. Despite initial divided opinions, the Grade II listed brutalist structure, known for its concrete design and riverside terraces, is now a recognized architectural landmark.
