subject: The National Theatre - South Bank, London [print this page] The National Theatre - South Bank, London
The National Theatre opened in 1976 and comprises of three seperate theatrs ,The Olivier, The Lyttelton, and the small Cottesloe. Shows are usually in repertoire with each theatre putting on at least two shows a month.
The National complex has several cafes/bars, restaurant, and a bookshop. Prior to the start of the show there are free live acts in the Olivier foyer, as well as several free exhibitions. Back Stage Tours can also be arranged.
In November , the Olivier is putting on "Hamlet", with a cast including Rory Kinnear (Hamlet), Clare Higgins (Gertrude), David Calder (Polonius), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), Ruth Negga (Ophelia), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King), Matthew Barker and also thier are perfomances of Fela !
Fela! is about the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Featuring his pioneering music (a unique blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.The show is a hybrid of concert, dance and musical theatre.
The Lyttelton will be showing both "Men Should Weep" - a vivid ortrayal of impoverished 1930s Glasgow, and "Blood & Gifts" - a political thriller packed with mad humour that sweeps from refugee camps to mountainous tribal regions and ultimately to the corridors of power in Washington DC.
The smaller theatre, Cottesloe, starts november with "Or you could Kiss me" and ends it with a version of "beauty and the beast"
The National Theatre is well worth a visit, and you can always find at least one play that you will want to see whilst in that part of London.
