The National Theatre's South Bank Building Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

The National Theatre's South Bank home celebrated its 50th anniversary during the week of 27 October 2026. Though the National Theatre was founded earlier, its permanent home — the distinctive brutalist building designed by architect Denys Lasdun — did not open until 1975. To mark the milestone, the theatre launched an installation called '50 Stories for 50 Years,' featuring memories and reflections from notable figures including Hugh Jackman, Imelda Staunton, David Oyelowo and historic voices such as Laurence Olivier. Current Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham chose the 1980 production The Romans in Britain as her landmark memory, praising its 'bold parallels between the Roman invasion of Celtic Britain and British military presence in Northern Ireland.' Actor Lesley Manville selected the 1990 The Wind in the Willows, calling it 'beautiful, funny and heartwarming.' Playwright Beth Steel chose Katie Mitchell's 2006 adaptation of The Waves, while actor Kadiff Kirwan picked the 2013 production The Amen Corner, recalling how 'theatre has healing powers.' Time Out marked the occasion by asking six figures from the theatre's history to name the productions they wished they could see again.