Theatre benefactor to be honoured

Lloyd Dorfman has given the money to the theatre's NT Future redevelopment project that will see a new education centre built and one of its venues extended.

The current Cottesloe Theatre in London will be renamed the Dorfman Theatre in 2013 when it is reopened.

Mr Dorfman said he was "a huge fan" of the National Theatre, adding: "Individual and corporate support is vital to building on London's leadership in the arts and I hope others will join me in wanting to build on the National's role at the heart of modern theatre and sustaining it long into the future."

The 58-year-old made his fortune by setting up and running a currency exchange business.

National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner said: "I couldn't be more grateful to him; it is entirely fitting that his family name will be associated with an auditorium which often plays host to our most innovative work, and whose redevelopment will transform our facilities to introduce theatre to generations to come."

The Cottesloe was originally named after Lord Cottesloe, chairman of the South Bank Board which was responsible for the construction of the National Theatre.