Your National Theatre

Synopsis: Television documentary celebrating the opening of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank. Containing a large amount of archival material, it shows the history of the National Theatre project from the laying of the foundation stone in 1951 to the opening of the Lyttleton. Among the interviewees are Laurence Olivier (including his farewell speech to the company), Peter Hall, Denys Lasdun. Raymond Mander, Joe Mitchenson and Kenneth Tynan. There is unique film of the Olivier Theatre’s revolving ‘drum’ before its installation. Includes scenes from the last night at the Old Vic, with Peggy Ashcroft, Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud from the 1963 FAREWELL TO THE VIC. and extracts from past productions including Peter Hall’s production of The Tempest with Gielgud.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 21 Aug 1976 (Channel: ITV)
Duration: 87 mins; 3,155 (16mm) feet