The National Theatre (NT) first opened its doors in London on October 22 1963 with a production of Hamlet starring the young Peter O’Toole.
Founded by actor Laurence Olivier the theatre has served as a leading arts institution in the UK ever since with many well known actors performing there over the years.
The company was based at the Old Vic building till 1976 until the Southbank space was built.
Today the National Theatre has three theatre spaces; the Olivier Theatre, the Dorfman Theatre and the Lyttleton Theatre.
From Dame Maggie Smith to Ralph Fiennes, we’ve taken a look at some of the most famous faces to have performed at the National Theatre over the years.
1. Helen McCrory
Helen McCrory’s many performances at the National Theatre included The Deep Blue Sea (2016), Medea (2014), The Last of the Haussmans (2012), The Seagull (1994), Trelawny of the "Wells" (1993) and Blood Wedding (1991). | National Theatre
2. Rory Kinnear
Rory Kinnear is a veteran National Theatre actor. He has won two Olivier awards for his performances in The Man of Mode in 2008 and Iago in Othello in 2014. He has also starred in the title role in Macbeth with Anne-Marie Duff (pictured here). | National Theatre
3. Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen is a veteran National Theatre actor having starred in his first production in 1965. His most notable performances include the title role in King Lear, Dr Tomas Stockmann in An Enemy of the People and the title role in Uncle Vanya | Getty Images
4. Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes' first performance at the National Theatre was as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet in 1986. He has since performed in several other productions including in Antony and Cleopatra opposite Sophie Okonedo. | National Theatre