Ep 81. National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Theatre, this episode of Great Performances takes viewers on a journey through five decades of British theatre excellence. Narrated by Dame Judi Dench, the show features a star-studded lineup of contemporary actors and actresses, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Helen Mirren, and Maggie Smith, who perform scenes from iconic National Theatre productions of the past.

The episode opens with Dame Judi providing a brief history of the National Theatre's founding in 1963, followed by clips of some of its earliest productions. From there, viewers are transported to the present day, where actors give insight into the significance of each production and why they were chosen to be included in this celebration.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on the actors' performances, which are interspersed with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and archival clips. Scenes from well-known plays such as "The History Boys," "Angels in America," "The Cherry Orchard," and "Amadeus" are featured among many others, showcasing the incredible artistry and talent that has graced the stages of the National Theatre.

One standout moment is the performance of a scene from "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," a play about a young boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder of a neighborhood dog. The play won seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards, and the scene featured in this episode is a poignant moment that speaks to the power of theatre to create empathy and understanding.

Another memorable performance is from "The Kitchen," a play written by Arnold Wesker that explores the lives of kitchen staff working in a busy restaurant. The scene features a high-energy dance number that showcases the impressive physicality of the actors.

The episode also recognizes the importance of the National Theatre in championing new work and providing a platform for emerging playwrights and actors. Scenes from recent productions like "War Horse," "London Road," and "The Lehman Trilogy" are woven seamlessly into the episode, highlighting the theatre's continued commitment to innovation and risk-taking.

Throughout the episode, the passion and dedication of the actors and crew of the National Theatre are palpable. The interviews with the performers offer an insightful glimpse into the process of bringing a play to life and the challenges and rewards of performing on stage.

The show culminates in a breathtaking performance of the final scene from "Angels in America," Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the lives of gay men during the AIDS crisis. The scene features an all-star cast that includes Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane, and Denise Gough, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of art in telling the stories of marginalized communities and shining a light on social issues.

Overall, "National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage" is a celebration of the magic of theatre and the incredible legacy of the National Theatre. It is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and anyone interested in the power of storytelling to inspire, provoke, and entertain.