National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage

In 1982, Richard Eyre’s multi-award-winning Olivier Theatre revival of "Guys and Dolls" became the biggest hit of the National Theatre's first 20 years. In this excerpt, Clive Rowe, who played Nicely-Nicely when Eyre revived his production at the National Theatre in 1996, leads an ensemble in "Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat.” Part of "Great Performances National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage."

James Corden performs a slapstick scene from "One Man, Two Guvnors." His starring role of Francis Henshall in the comedy began with the production's opening at the National Theatre in 2011. Corden went on to star in the Broadway production that opened in April 2012, and for which he won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Part of "Great Performances National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage."

Watch "Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch play Rosencrantz and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith play Guildenstern in a scene from "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" by Tom Stoppard. The play was first performed at The National Theatre in 1967. Part of "National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage" airing 2/14/14.

Judi Dench sings Stephen Sondheim's “Send in the Clowns” from the musical "A Little Night Music" (1973). Dench starred as Desiree in the musical's 1995 revival at the National Theatre. This performances is part of "National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage" airing February 14, 2014, on PBS.

The year is 1890. By the light of the full moon and candlesticks, six good fairies slip into the sleeping baby Aurora's room. The baby awakes unfrightened and the fairies dance for her. Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty airs Friday, April 25, 2014 at 9 pm on PBS.