Set your DVR now for Friday, February 14 on PBS at 8pm CT / 9pm ET on PBS. Great Performances “National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage” is coming to your local public television station (8:00pm on KERA Channel 13 in North Texas).
 

Founded in 1963, the Royal National Theatre has provided London residents and visitors with some the most thrilling productions in contemporary theater. It has also served as an influential wellspring of talent and creativity, breathing new life into theater classics as well as launching new plays, playwrights, directors and stars on an international stage. On November 2, 2013, the National Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special gala performance, welcoming home an all-star cast of its alumni to perform excerpts from landmark productions, complemented by archival excerpts from its many groundbreaking productions. The laundry list of alumni performers is stunning to say the least. Guests include Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Dame Maggie Smith, and Sir Derek Jacobi. National Theatre Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner directs.

On Friday, February 14, 2014, this once-in-a-lifetime performance will air as part of PBS’ Great Performances series.
 

 
Having had the extreme good fortune of being at the National Theatre for the Danny Boyle production of Frankenstein that starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller and also getting to see several of their live productions that were simulcast broadcast in theaters around the world, this is a do not miss event on February 14. Set. DVR. Now. PBS.