Britain's National Theatre celebrated its 50th birthday on Tuesday by having Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visit.
During her visit, the Queen was given a backstage tour of the Theatre, The Associated Press reports.
As part of the tour the Queen saw puppets used for the popular War Horse play and founder Laurence Olivier's widow.
The National Theatre opened Oct. 22, 1963 and its first performance was Peter O'Toole as Hamlet.
The National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner said it was "a very special day," according to BBC News.
Michael Gambon, who was in the performance of Hamlet, attended the 50th birthday and said of his performance back then, "I never had to speak. I was just at the back with a spear."
Others who felt a bit nostalgic were Sheila Reid who appeared in Othello in 1964. "I used to walk out of the stage door at night at the Old Vic and put myself just behind Sir Laurence as he was going out to his car to seem as though I was one of his friends."
The National Theatre will also celebrate its 50th year by having a gala on Nov. 2. It will feature stars who once appeared on its stage, including Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Derek Jacobi, Simon Russell Beale and Dame Maggie Smith.
image: Wikimedia Commons
