National Theatre

2009 will see another exciting step in our long tradition of supporting the performing arts as Coutts partners with the National Theatre for the first time as exclusive sponsor of its production of Phèdre, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Dame Helen Mirren.

The National Theatre is based on London’s South Bank, and is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations. The National 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.

With around 60 performances starting in June 2009, Phèdre promises to be a box office hit. Jean Racine's 17th-century tragedy is based on the ancient Greek drama. It tells the story of Phèdre (Helen Mirren) who declares her love for her stepson Hippolyte while her husband King Thésée is absent, and what unfolds when he returns. The NT’s version is by the former Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes.

Award-winning director Nicholas Hytner has been Director of the National Theatre since 2003. His work at the NT includes, Ghetto, Carousel, Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III, The History Boys, and The Alchemist. In June 2008, he directed the opera Don Carlo which Coutts sponsored at The Royal Opera House. The films he has directed include The Crucible, The Madness of King George, The Object of My Affection, The History Boysand Center Stage.

Internationally acclaimed actress Dame Helen Mirren is a star of stage, film and television. She has won an Oscar, four SAG Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards during her distinguished career. Her recent films include Gosford Park, Calendar Girls, The Clearing, Pride, Raising Helen, Shadowboxer and The Queen . It was Mirren’s much applauded role inThe Queen that won her a Golden Globe and the 2007 Academy Award for Best Actress. She is well known for her role as detective Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect and many other acclaimed TV performances. She makes a welcome return to the National, where she was last seen in Mourning Becomes Electra in 2004.

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

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Coutts client, please complete our enquiry form and we will be in touch.