National Theatre
The Royal National Theatre, home of the National Theatre Company provides both free and paid entertainment every day
The Royal National Theatre, commonly referred to as just the National Theatre, was opened in 1976 as the new home of the publicly funded National Theatre Company. They were previously based in the Old Vic Theatre from their beginnings in 1963.
The theatre is of modern concrete architecture and houses 3 separate auditoriums. The main auditorium is the Olivier Theatre which is named after Laurence Olivier, the first artistic director for the theatre. It features an open stage from which seating for 1160 spectators fans out. The Lyttelton Theatre features a proscenium arch design which seats up to 890 guests. And finally the Cottesloe Theatre is a smaller studio space which holds up to 400 depending on the configuration. On the riverside there is a courtyard that is used for outdoor performances during the summer. There is also a free summer festival held there each year.
The theatre's foyers and terraces are open to the public and feature restaurants, bars, exhibition space and a theatrical bookshop. Tours of the backstage are available throughout the day and live music is played in the foyer at 5:45pm and prior to performances. There is no cost for this.
For more information about the Royal National Theatre as well as shows and schedules visit their official website.
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: National Theatre
Fee: YesClosed Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- Monday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Category: Performing Arts
Address:
Upper Ground
South Bank
London SE1 9PX
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7452 3000
Reviews
Jeremy B. Sep-28-2022
I highly recommend the backstage tour of the National Theatre. Andrew was an informed and passionate guide who walked us through this cultural gem. Even... Read More
I highly recommend the backstage tour of the National Theatre. Andrew was an informed and passionate guide who walked us through this cultural gem.
Even...Vivienne C. Jan-30-2022
JP H. Jun-06-2017
Accommodations near National Theatre:
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee Lines | Waterloo Station | 5 Minutes |
| Circle and District Lines | Embankment Station | 5 Minutes |
How to get to National Theatre by Tube
The National Theatre is just a little north of Waterloo Station. Exit onto Waterloo Road and walk to your left (north) along Waterloo Road. Stay to the right of the BFI Imax Theatre and stay to the right of the approach to the Bridge. The theatre is just before the River Thames on your right hand side.
From Embankment Station on the Northbank simply walk across the Hungerford bridge. The National Theatre is on the far side to your left.
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Photo Gallery
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Nighttime view of the Royal National Theatre and the Southbank cc licensed photo by Dimitry B. -
Foyer inside the National Theatre cc licensed photo by Miguel Teixeira 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp
