Hero of the National, Harold Pinter dies
Last Updated: Mon 29 Dec 2008

One of the greatest playwrights of his age, Harold Pinter passed away on December 24th aged 78.

Widely regarded as a pioneer, Pinter saw some of his most famous and successful plays staged at the world-renowned National Theatre in central London.

The Nobel laureate became artistic director at the much-loved institution in 1973, with perhaps his finest hour coming as the theatre played host to his lauded Betrayal.

Writing in the Guardian, esteemed theatre critic and a biographer of the playwright Michael Billington called him "a man of contradictions: his fierce concern for language was balanced by an equally warm regard for individuals."

The Independent noted the other areas in which Pinter engaged himself over his life: "Pinter's career also encompassed acting, poetry and political activism as a vociferous critic of American and British foreign policy."

LondonPass holders can enjoy the National Theatre Backstage Tour for free, saving £5.90 for adults and £4.90 for children.