Laurence Olivier statue unveiled on South Bank
A new statue of Laurence Olivier has been installed on the South Bank riverside walkway next to the National Theatre he helped to establish.
A new statue of Laurence Olivier as Hamlet, created by the sculptor Angela Conner, was unveiled by members of Olivier's original National Theatre company on Sunday afternoon as part of a series of events to celebrate the centenary of the legendary actor's birth.
Lady Olivier (better known as Joan Plowright) was joined by Anna Carteret, Gawn Grainger, Charles Kay, Geraldine McEwan, Ronald Pickup and Sheila Reid to perform the ceremony.
Speeches were made by the National Theatre's chairman Sir Hayden Phillips, Laurence Olivier's son Tarquin and Lord Attenborough.
More than 200 donors, mainly theatre and film people and institutions, contributed to the Laurence Olivier Centenary Statue Appeal.
The statue is situated in the corner of Theatre Square and faces the auditorium in the National that bears Olivier's name.
Comments
A fitting addition to the South Bank or more clutter?
Start a discussion right nowShare
The SE1 website is supported by people like you
More to read
- Royal Mail issues special stamps for Old Vic bicentenary 16 Aug 2018
- Old Vic celebrates bicentenary with procession and street party 14 May 2018
- South Bank Sculpture Walk: new guide to public art by the river 10 Dec 2017
- Laurence Olivier statue could be moved from South Bank river walk 23 Apr 2014
- Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visit National Theatre 22 Oct 2013
- Max Rayne Centre: new National Theatre building name announced 13 Jun 2013
- My Perfect Mind at the Young Vic 18 Apr 2013
- The Entertainer at The Old Vic 19 Mar 2007
- See backstage at The Old Vic 16 Mar 2006
- Old Vic launches fundraising appeal 19 Aug 2001
Related forum discussions
Follow us
Email newsletter
For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.