Why did Britain feel the need for a National Theatre in 1963? We see archive footage of founder Sir Laurence Olivier, explaining what he wanted it to achieve.
British theatre figures such as Sir Tom Stoppard, John Lithgow and Dame Joan Plowright (Olivier's wife) explain why Laurence Olivier was the right man to lead the new National Theatre.
This is interspersed with archive footage of his many famous roles on stage and screen and current National Theatre director, Nicholas Hytner, explains how Olivier was responsible for the growth and development of the National Theatre.
The opening production at the Old Vic was 'Hamlet' in 1963, directed by Laurence Olivier.
The National Theatre soon gained a reputation for showcasing new British talent, such as Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard, David Hare, and Alan Bennett.
The development of the new National Theatre building, a modernist design which is its current home, is discussed.
The move to a bigger building and more permanent home, which could house three theatres, was secured by Laurence Olivier, but then the direction of the theatre was taken over by Sir Peter Hall.
Bringing us up to date, into the National Theatre’s 50th year and beyond, contemporary actors such as Dame Judi Dench and James Corden describe the experience of working at the National Theatre.
This clip is from BBC series Arena: The National Theatre.
Teacher Notes
This could be used to introduce students to the history of British theatre, as well as being part of their research on arts organisations or British actors.
Students could look at how the National Theatre works, how it has changed since it opened and what changes they think will happen to the National Theatre in the next 50 years.
The National Theatre could be compared to the National Theatre of Scotland or smaller organisations. What similarities and differences are there between the works they perform and the styles they are performed in?
This could also be used to open a discussion about attitudes of the time. Why did a white actor, Laurence Olivier, play the part of Othello? Could that still happen today?
Curriculum Notes
This clip could be relevant for teaching Drama at KS4/GCSE level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4 and 5 in Scotland.
More from Arena: The National Theatre
Attracting New Audiences to the Theatre. video
How Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' was adapted for the stage by the National Theatre in 2011, in Danny Boyle's critically acclaimed production starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller.
Making Shakespeare Contemporary. video
Director Nicholas Hytner and the cast of the National Theatre's 2010 production of Hamlet talk through how they used the theme of surveillance to make they play relevant to a modern audience.
Making Theatre Relevant. video
Playwright James Graham talks us through the social and historical context behind his political drama "This House", which premiered at the National Theatre in 2012.
Othello – Themes and Contemporary Approach. video
We see inside the rehearsal room for Nicholas Hytner’s 2013 production of 'Othello' for the National Theatre. The cast and crew are assembled, and Hytner tells the company that the army are absolutely essential to this play.
