A day of free activities at the National, Friday 21 August
The National Theatre and Prudential set the stage for retirement on Friday 21 August: a day specifically for people in and approaching retirement to discover the many opportunities that retirement offers, all with a unique theatrical twist – and FREE to attend (registration and advance booking is required for some events).

Throughout the day, the National will be alive with participatory activities.  Highlights include:  a swing band and tea dance in Theatre Square; films of NT past from the NT Archive;  National Theatre insight events including backstage tours, workshops on stage hair and make-up, voice techniques and circus skills; and Tai Chi sessions.

Prudential is also running seminars on a range of important financial topics, including tax tips, an update on the economy and a Money Matters Q&A panel session.

Nick Prettejohn, Chief Executive Prudential UK & Europe, says: “We’re very proud to be the exclusive partner for all National Theatre projects relating specifically to people of retirement age. Our partnership has several strands including sponsorship of matinee performances and support for the NT’s ‘Discover for Life’ programme, which promotes life-long learning through various theatrical projects.

“Life-long learning and exploring new opportunities are extremely important and I’m delighted that Prudential is working with the National Theatre to deliver these unique programmes.”

Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre adds:  “The National aims to be popular, inclusive and accessible to all; we want to encourage discovery of both our performances and the backstage world by audiences of all ages. We are delighted to have Prudential as a partner in furthering this work.”

The day is free to attend but places should be booked online at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/setthestage or on 020 7452 3000.

Also at the National…

PLATFORMS
The National’s regular series of 6pm talks by leading figures in theatre, literature and the arts, continues throughout the summer and early autumn.  Highlights include:

Vera Lynn
Tuesday 18 August, Olivier Theatre
The Forces’ Sweetheart, Vera Lynn, marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II with Some Sunny Day, a new memoir of her extraordinary career in momentous times.

Joss Ackland *
Monday 7 September, Cottesloe Theatre
Actor Joss Ackland, whose 50-year career includes celebrated performances in White Mischief and Shadowlands, talks about My Better Half and Me, which combines the candid diaries of his late wife, Rosemary, with his own observations on the life they spent together.

June Whitfield *
Thursday 17 September, Lyttelton Theatre
June Whitfield, whose iconic comedy creations range from the ever-single Eth Glum in Take It From Here in the 1950s to the ever-patient mother in Absolutely Fabulous in the 1990s, reflects on her rich career in At A Glance, an illustrated account of her life and times.

Michael Palin *
Tuesday 6 October, Olivier Theatre
In the second volume of his diaries, Halfway to Hollywood, the scriptwriter, comedian, novelist, TV presenter, actor and playwright, Michael Palin, looks back with his customary wit and enthusiasm on the decade that took him from the end of the Pythons, via A Fish Called Wanda and A Private Function, to the beginnings of Around the World in 80 Days.

* = followed by book signing.

National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Information: 020 7452 3400 / www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/platforms

Nearest tube: Waterloo  Tickets: £3.50/ £2.50 concessions