From the archive, 26 October 1976: Joy eternal as Olivier triumphs
Originally published in the Guardian on 26 October 1976More than 100 years in the creating, the National Theatre, like some grandiose and posthumous tribute to the British Empire, flared into life last night, when it was opened officially by the Queen. With royal music inside, the promise of fireworks and searchlights outside, it was as if national rejoicing could not be contained.Although the Queen and Prince Philip…