Heights of Hytner - Telegraph As the Queen's jubilee barge passed the National Theatre last June, a life-size War Horse puppet reared up and caught her attention. War Horse, like The History Boys in 2004 and One Man, Two Guvnors in 2011, went on from the National to conquer the West End and Broadway. Yet they show just one side of Sir Nicholas Hytner's triumphant decade at the National, which he leaves on a high in its 50th year. His job was unenviable in 2003, at a demoralised institution doubtfully reliant on subsidy. "I don't know if Hytner astonished himself," wrote the Telegraph's Charles Spencer a year on, "but he has certainly astonished his audiences." Travelex-sponsored £10 tickets became to London theatre what Boris bikes were to its streets, and cinema relays spread the effect. Amid austerity, the National is busy building. A share of the applause that sounds nightly is for Sir Nicholas.