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Story: Jack Foley
THE NATIONAL Youth Theatre (NYT) has sent its congratulations
to Daniel Craig for securing the coveted role of James Bond in
Casino Royale.
Former artistic director, Edward Wilson, said the news was 'a
fantastic birthday present to the National Youth Theatre as it
enters its 50th year'.
Craig joined the National Youth Theatre (NYT) in 1985.
Having completed his course, he was cast immediately as The Governor
of Cyprus in Othello later that year.
Being cast that quickly is very unusual for new members but he
then went on to perform in Romeo and Juliet and Night Shriek in
1987 and 1986.
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In 1988, he took on the role of Simon
Schachava in The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the following year
played the 4th Knight in Murder In The Cathedral in Moscow, when
the NYT presented the first ever production of the play in the
city at The Moscow Art Theatre.
His final performances came as Marat in Marat/Sade in 1989 and
as Leonardo in Blood Wedding in Valencia, Spain and London throughout
1990.
Upon hearing the news of Craig's appointment as Bond, Mr Wilson,
who was artistic director when Craig was with the company, commented:
"Daniel showed exceptional promise from the start and was
quickly playing leading roles. He was a tremendous asset to the
company."
The NYT can proudly lay claim to a number of links to past Bonds
over the years - a heritage that Craig will keep intact.
Timothy Dalton is also an ex-member of the NYT and Sir Sean Connery
and Sir Roger Moore are both supportive Vice-Presidents of the
company.
Sean Connery saved the company from closure by donating £50,000
in the year that Daniel played Malcolm in Night Shriek.
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