National Theatre marks 50 years on South Bank
A free outdoor installation and a new apprenticeship scheme will commemorate the milestone.
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Single named source (Indhu Rubasingham) with no independent corroboration.
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The National Theatre is commemorating five decades at its South Bank site with a free public installation. Titled 'Stories Start Here: 50 Stories for 50 Years', the project will open on Queen's Walk in October 2026.
The installation features a wooden structure inspired by the Olivier Theatre's amphitheatre seating. Visitors will be able to listen to recollections and anecdotes from a range of people connected to the theatre, including actors, writers, directors, designers, staff, and audience members. Recordings will be accessible worldwide via the Bloomberg Connects app.
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A story station within the theatre will provide printed versions of the stories on eco-friendly paper. The National Theatre was previously based at the Old Vic for 13 years before moving to its current purpose-built home, constructed between 1969 and 1976.
New Apprenticeship Launched
In addition to the installation, the theatre is introducing a new apprenticeship programme. This scheme is named after the building's architect, Sir Denys Lasdun, and will focus on the mechanical and electrical engineering skills required for the building's upkeep.
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The apprenticeship will operate through the NT Skills Centre, which the theatre states trains thousands of individuals annually across the UK in partnership with Bank of America. The anniversary celebrations are supported by Arup and Sir Robert McAlpine, companies that were involved in the original construction of the building.
Indhu Rubasingham, director and co-chief executive, described the building as a place where "artists, audiences and communities have come together to share stories". The Grade II listed building, known for its brutalist architecture, has undergone significant modernisation needs, according to executive director and co-chief executive Kate Varah.
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