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.
5. Sir Derek Jacobi CBE
Sir Derek Jacobi is one of the founding members of the National Theatre alongside Laurence Olivier. He has starred in numerous productions over the years including Hamlet, Othello and Three Sisters | Getty Images
6. Dame Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith has starred in several National Theatre productions including Much Ado About Nothing in 1965. | Getty Images
7. Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller
Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller both starred in Frankenstein at the National Theatre in 2011. | Getty Images
8. Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren
Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren starred in the title roles of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre in 1998. | Getty Images