National Theatre gala: let's celebrate magical stories This suits the democratic mood of an institution that was always meant to be for everyone. The running order begins with Hamlet (because that is how the National itself began, in a not entirely successful production starring Peter O'Toole) and ends with a moment from Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art. In between, there will be filmed extracts and live performances from Judi Dench, Smith, Ralph Fiennes, Simon Russell Beale, Gambon and many more. Nichols Le Provost and Penelope Wilton reenact a scene from Alan Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce, which premiered at The National in 1977 REVIEW: Arena: The National Theatre There will no doubt be those who dismiss the entire extravaganza as a luvvie love-in, a pretentious honouring of something that is at best peripheral to modern life. But they would be wrong. Theatre is flourishing in this country, thanks partly to the National Theatre's continued assertion of its importance. Our actors are famous around the world, courtesy of the chances it has given them. Our playwrights, directors and creative producers are second to none, thanks to the freedom of thought and excellence of achievement it has encouraged. It is an institution that deserves to celebrate - and be applauded. Jack Holden as Albert in a scene from the National's blockbuster War Horse, wih Toby Olie, Thomas Wilton and Michael Brett as Joey (Catherine Ashmore) Yet that's not the only reason I will be glued to my armchair. Part of theatre's appeal lies in the narratives it presents on its stages. But its power springs too from the spells it casts as generations of performers and workers behind the scenes add their stories to those of the plays and buildings they inhabit. Theatre's history is part of its present because it is a passion that is handed down. The National has recognised this by organising a series of talks that look to the past. They are a living mass observation project. Each actor and director talks about people who inspired them, or performances they can never forget. Hytner remembers Paul Scofield. Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter talk with love about Ian Charleson. Rory Kinnear describes his dad, Roy. Clive Rowe reprises his role as Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls, which was first performed at the National in 1982 (Catherine Ashmore) The cumulative picture that emerges is of a place of inspiration where one generation hands the baton to the next, and so perpetuates Britain's long and ever-changing theatre tradition. It is history not as a fixed event but as an ongoing sharing of memory and emotion. You don't have to be an actor to know that feeling. Every theatre goer can conjure the moments that they will always remember, the performances that illuminated a play, the plays that made sense of the world. The National in its 50 years has been a place of many magical stories; as it looks back, it is also looking forwards, propelling a new generation into the future. Live from the National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage is broadcast on BBC Two at 9pm on Saturday November 2