The National Theatre is to offer what is commonplace in other capitals, the opportunity to spend Sunday afternoon at the theatre.

It said yesterday that it will begin Sunday matinees on September 21 in the Olivier and Lyttelton theatres after securing deals with staff and unions.

While it is normal to watch a Sunday play on Broadway or in Paris or Berlin, London's West End theatres remain resolutely dark on Sundays with a few exceptions such as The Lion King and Stomp.

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