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The concrete-clad, 1960s modernist grandmother of them all: no theatrical tour of London is complete without a visit to the National, whose three auditoriums - Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe - offer a rolling repertory programme, often with a choice of several productions in a week. The National Theatre may have once had a fiercely inaccessible reputation, but the arrival of maverick artistic director Nicholas Hytner in 2003 rocked theatreland as he set about changing the venue's staid ethos with daring productions such as 'Jerry Springer the Opera' and an ambitious adaptation of Phillip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials'. The change of tack proved a success, attracting audiences of mixed race, age and class - and Hytner's budget £10 Travelex-sponsored tickets still help pull in the crowds in the summer season. But you don't have to buy a ticket to get a feel for the National's atmosphere - the alfresco stage, National Theatre Square, routinely lays on free and inclusive performing arts, gigs and exhibitions, especially during the Watch This Space summer festival.
An exhibition dedicated to the work of artist, author, illustrator and humorist Graham Clarke. 'The English Artist a...
Violin and double bass-led trio play tango pieces and modern jazz standards.
A global fusion of Spanish guitar and African soul.
The divisive philosopher and non-believer Alain de Botton proposes a middle ground between religion and atheism in hi...
For Valentine's Day the National Theatre is projecting on to the NT flytower Frank Capra's screwball romance 'It Happ...
Nicholas Wright joins director Hytner to talk about his new play 'Travelling Light', a tribute to the Eastern Europea...
RSC associate director Gregory Doran talks about his mission to discover and stage 'Cardenio' - a play believed to be...
A blues-edged jazz singer not lacking in testosterone or sensitivity, Manly tackles the songs of Nina Simone, Ella Fi...

Australian singer performs Brazilian/funk-edged, 'quiet-storm' soul readings of standards, Monk tunes and original ma...
Backstage tours last about an hour and 15 minutes and cover the three auditoriums and their backstage areas, the work...
Best known for playing Sheila in 'Brookside' and Barbara in 'The Royle Family', Sue Johnston discusses her relationsh...
Al Senter chats to actors Pemberton and Thomas about their careers and current roles in the Olivier production of Gol...
A discussion about DV8 and the NT's co-production 'Can We Talk About This?', a play based on interviews with leading ...
British entertainer Julian Clary introduces his latest novel 'Briefs Encountered' set in 1920s England and involving ...
Director Michael Buffong talks about his new production of Errol John's play, 'Moon on a Rainbow Shawl'.
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