‘The Light Princess,’ ‘King Lear’ Highlight 2013 National Theatre Season

London’s National Theatre Company has an extensive and eclectic lineup of shows, including a new production of “King Lear” by Sam Mendes and the much awaited “The Light Princess” musical by Tori Amos.

This year will mark the 50th anniversary season, and will include by a number of unique celebrations in addition to the new shows.

Tori Amos has long been working on an adaptation George MacDonald’s “The Light Princess” with Sam Adamson, and the musical will finally make its debut at the Lyttleton Theatre in October. The production will be presented by the “War Horse” team of Marianne Elliot and Paul Constable, and will star Clive Rowe and Rosalie Craig, the latter of “Finding Neverland.”

Mendes’ new production of “King Lear” is set to premiere in January 2014 and will star Simon Russell Beale.

Also notable this season is a new production of John Baldwin’s classic “The Amen Corner,” which will premiere in June. The play will be directed by Rufus Norris and will play at the Olivier Theatre, the largest of the three stages used by the company. Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Sharon D. Clarke will star in the production.

In addition to the shows, the 50th anniversary will be celebrated with a unique performance that will be broadcast from the Olivier Theatre on Britain’s BBC 2 this fall, as well as two documentaries that will air on BBC 4. Finally, a new book, “The National Theatre Story,” written by Daniel Rosenthal will also be released during the season.

The third theater used this year is known as The Shed, a temporary venue that will be used while the Cottesloe theatre is remodeled as part of what is called NT Future. This new venue will operate April 2013 through February 2014, and will host Tanya Ronder’s “Table,” which will begin performances April 12. Rosalie Craig will be in this production, as well.