The National Theatre will celebrate its 50th anniversary on London's South Bank with a free outdoor installation featuring 50 stories from the building's history. Titled "Stories Start Here: 50 Stories for 50 Years," the installation is set to open on Queen's Walk in October 2026.
The design of the wooden structure is inspired by the tiered seating of the theatre's Olivier Theatre and will face the main building. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit and listen to a collection of memories, anecdotes, and reflections. These contributions will come from actors, writers, directors, designers, past and present staff members, and audience members.
Inside the theatre, a dedicated story station will be available, offering visitors the chance to have their chosen stories printed on eco-friendly paper as a keepsake. Furthermore, the recorded stories will be accessible globally through the Bloomberg Connects app, allowing a wider audience to engage with the National Theatre's rich history.