What does Theatre do?

The National Theatre is a prominent British theatre company located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It was established to create a national theatre dedicated to high-quality drama, including works by Shakespeare. The company’s origins date back to early 1900s campaigns, leading to the formation of the National Theatre Company in 1963 and the opening of its dedicated building in 1976. The National Theatre has a rich history, documented in the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre collection, which chronicles efforts to establish a national theatre alongside a memorial to Shakespeare. Key milestones include the formation of the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee in 1908 and the establishment of a Joint Council with the Old Vic theatre in 1946. This collaboration helped secure state support and shaped the future of both theatres.