National Theatre marks 25 years

Champagne, fireworks and a red carpet starred last night as the Royal National Theatre celebrated the 25th anniversary of its permanent residence on the South Bank.

The audiences for last night's plays were greeted by the plush red pile as they walked into the building, and received free champagne and programmes during the performances.

At the end of the evening, the three artistic directors who have steered the theatre through the last quarter century took to the stage.

Sir Peter Hall (1976-1988) Sir Richard Eyre (1988-1977) and Trevor Nunn, the present director who will next year yield his position to Nicholas Hytner, were marshalled to the front by Sue MacGregor, of Radio 4's Today programme, to look back in delight, and occasional fury, on their respective experiences at the great institution.

Finally, as the audience filed out of the theatre they were greeted by a huge firework display.

A fitting end to an evening spent celebrating 25 years of highs and lows at the muchcriticised, yet much-loved National Theatre.