National Theatre launches Sunday openings with War Horse

Published Thursday 22 May 2008 at 14:15 by Alistair Smith

War Horse is to be the first show at the National Theatre to open on Sundays, when the Olivier Award-winning production returns to the venue in September.

The show, which is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford, was originally staged at the NT last year. It will open booking next month for its return from September to November.

War Horse’s first Sunday performance will be on September 21, at 3pm. Four further Sunday shows are scheduled.

If the development proves a success, there are plans to roll out the Sunday opening on to other productions in the Olivier and Lyttelton theatres. At present, there are no plans to turn the Cottesloe into a seven-day operation.

Speaking to The Stage earlier this year, NT executive director Nick Starr revealed his plans to begin Sunday openings from September. He said: “We’re working towards September for Sunday performances in the Olivier and Lyttelton. It would be a pilot season of four months. We are still deep in talks with Equity about actors. The issue there is as much to do with the logistics and how to make it work as smoothly as possible, rather than money. With the Musicians’ Union, musicians are more used to working on Sundays, so it is more about the money.”

An agreement has just been reached with the Musicians’ Union for Sunday working, which includes extra pay, while discussions are still ongoing with Equity over a deal for actors and stage management. However, it is understood that a result is imminent.