National Theatre to stage in-the-round performances

The Olivier Theatre is to be remodelled for socially distanced performances starting next month. The National Theatre’s largest auditorium will be transformed to stage a season of in-the-round performances with a reduced seating capacity of 500.

In a statement, director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris said: “We’re both delighted and relieved to be reopening the National Theatre with the Olivier in-the-round season, which will allow us to present live work to as many people as possible while social distancing remains in place.”

The National Theatre will reopen with Clint Dyer and Roy Williams’ Death of England: Delroy. Giles Terera will star in the one-man play, following the life of a Black British working-class man as he discovers his identity within his community. Death of England: Delroy is at the Olivier Theatre on October 21, with a press night on October 29 and performances to November 28.

Previously staged at Lyric Hammersmith in 2018, Jude Christian and Cariad Lloyd’s adaptation of Dick Whittington will be performed over the Christmas period. The production will mark the return of pantomime to the London venue, with performances from December.

Ned Bennett will direct Dick Whittington, who said in a statement about the show: “We are inordinately excited to be talking about a show, never mind having the privilege of being able to stage one right now. We are facing such challenging times, as artists and as an industry, so we feel so lucky to have the NT able to provide this opportunity. We cannot wait to bring audiences (safely) into the Olivier and allow them to remember the joy of theatre for a night."

Further information including a performance schedule and cast are to be confirmed.