>The National Theatre is staging a series of events, to mark the centenary of the birth of Laurence Olivier (he was born on 22 May 1907). Olivier is celebrated as one of the best British actors and he helped to found the National Theatre and was its directed for several years.

The events include the unveiling of a statue of Olivier as Hamlet created by the sculptor Angela Conner and funded by private subscription (picture). The statue is located in a corner of the theatre’s forecourt.

Olivier: A Celebratory Performance
Sunday 23 September, 6pm
In the Olivier Theatre, the National presents a special performance to celebrate the greatest actor of the twentieth century. Telling the story of Olivier’s working life through film and stage extracts, letters, reminiscence and readings, the participants will include (subject to availability) Eileen Atkins, Richard Attenborough, David Bradley, Claire Bloom, Anna Carteret, Gawn Grainger, James Hayes, Derek Jacobi, Charles Kay, Robert Lindsay, Clive Merrison, Edward Petherbridge, Ronald Pickup, Joan Plowright, Corin Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Reid and Billie Whitelaw.

Olivier Films on the Fly Tower
19 – 23 September, 8.30pm
A selection of Olivier’s most iconic and popular films will be projected onto the NT Fly Tower:
Wed 19 Rebecca, 1940
Thu 20 The Prince and the Showgirl, 1957
Fri 21 Henry V, 1944
Sat 22 Wuthering Heights, 1939
Sun 23 Hamlet, 1948
All showings are free

Unveiling of the new Olivier Statue
Sunday 23 September
Today marks the installation outside the National of a new statue of Olivier as Hamlet, created by the sculptor Angela Conner and funded by private subscription.

Celebrating Laurence Olivier
2 August – 30 September
The BFI Southbank continue their two part film season celebrating Olivier’s staggering achievements over six decades.
Visit www.bfi.org.uk/olivier for details.

See also:
* www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/oliviercelebration
* Olivier on Wikipedia
* The Official Web Site of Sir Laurence Olivier