In the 1950s Olivier was an independent actor-manager, but his stage career was in the doldrums until he joined the avant garde English Stage Company in 1957 to play the title role in The Entertainer.
In the 1950s Olivier was a self-employed actor-manager, but his theatrical career was stagnant until he joined the innovative English Stage Company in 1957 to portray the title character in The Entertainer.