National Theatre

We first supported the National Theatre in 2009 and following the success of Phèdre we are delighted to continue our support by sponsoring a new production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein which will see Danny Boyle, the Oscar-winning director of Slumdog Millionaire make his directing debut at the National Theatre. Frankenstein promises to be another amazing production in the National Theatre’s history and a box office hit.

The National Theatre is based on London’s South Bank, and is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations. It presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics, with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time. Over one million people buy tickets to its productions each year and nearly five million will visit its website. Our sponsorship will help the theatre concentrate on producing high calibre performances and make it as accessible as possible through its range of activities which include invaluable nationwide educational projects and international touring productions.

Frankenstein will take place early next year and will be one of the highlights of the National’s 2010/11 season. Although the cast has not yet been decided Danny Boyle’s track record should ensure no shortage of takers in that department.

He directed plays at the Royal Court and the Royal Shakespeare Company earlier in his career before turning his attention to film some 15 years ago for which he is best known. He has worked on Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire and has won many awards including the Academy Award for Best Director in 2009 with Slumdog Millionaire.

The script will be written by Nick Dear, who won a BAFTA in 1996 for his television adaptation of Persuasion by Jane Austen.

For more details of current performances at the National Theatre please click here