Laurence Olivier was at the helm when The National Theatre first opened its doors in 1963 at the Old Vic. Celebrating its half-century, a short season of events will take place live, on film, through documentary television and online.
Additionally, exhibitions Chris Arthur: Scenes from National life and National Theatre Lampoon open September. Daniel Rosenthal’s book The National Theatre Story is scheduled for publication this autumn and the shop has a range of commemorative items.
Alongside anniversary celebrations, a contemporary take on Marlowe’s Edward II directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins opens at Olivier Theatre in September, playing in repertoire. John Heffernan plays the title role.
Other highlights of the season include the new musical from by Tori Amos (music and lyrics) and Samuel Adamson (book and lyrics), The Light Princess, to be directed by Marianne Elliott, and the Christmas show Emil and the Detectives; this new version by Carl Miller of Erich Kästner's story is directed by Bijan Sheibani.
A full programme of events takes place in The Shed, the temporary venue covering the period of the Cottesloe's closure during the building project.
The building programme includes the creation of a new production building to be named the Max Rayne Centre, in acknowledgement of Max Rayne’s contribution to the National Theatre as its longest-serving Chairman.
Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre, said: "Max Rayne’s service to the National Theatre is legendary. His 18 years as Chairman spanned the Directorships of Laurence Olivier, Peter Hall and Richard Eyre; on leaving, he instituted a charitable NT Endowment Fund.
"We are delighted that his name will be commemorated in recognition of his immense contribution to the National, and are grateful to The Rayne Foundation for their generous gift.’
Away from the building works, National Theatre tours include People with Brigit Forsyth and Siân Phillips and War Horse, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, One Man, Two Guvnors and War Horse continue to play in London's West End.
The National Theatre Live programme continues with The Audience starring Helen Mirren, Macbeth, starring Kenneth Branagh and Alex Kingston, Coriolanus starring Tom Hiddleston and Othello, starring Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear all being broadcast to cinemas.
Public booking for The Light Princess, Edward II and further performances of Othello, Emil and the Detectives, The Amen Corner and Liolá opens on 1 July; public booking for new productions in The Shed opens on 18 July.
The new season brochure can be downloaded www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/season.
For further information and booking visit http://nationaltheatre.org.uk.
For NT Live events, venue information and booking visit http://www.ntlive.com.