|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Royal National Theatre
|
|
(London SE1) Building on the South Bank, designed by Denys Lasdun, which opened in 1976. There had been plans for a national theatre from as long ago as 1848, but it was not until 1963 that a company was established – with Laurence *Olivier as its first artistic director. The Old Vic was used as a temporary home, with Peter O'Toole as Hamlet for the inaugural performance. In 1976 the Lyttelton was the first of the National Theatre's three auditoria to open (this time with Albert Finney as Hamlet); the Olivier and the Cottesloe followed over the next 12 months. In 1988, to mark the 25th anniversary of the first performance, the company was granted the title 'Royal'; but it is rarely referred to as anything other than the National Theatre.
|
|
|
|