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
Fee: YesNational Theatre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Address: London SE1 9PX, UK
Phone: 020 3989 5455
Official Website: National Theatre
National Theatre Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Had a great tour. Patrick is a total star and pitched his content perfectly. A good mix of facts and anecdotes. We had a nice lunch on the terrace afterwards. All of the staff were lovely. The National had a great feel of being a loved and used community space as well as a theatrical venue. A great coffee and toilet spot, lunch spot or just somewhere for a rest. Highly recommended.
maggie eaton - a week ago
Very inspiring atmosphere, impressive connection speed, and plenty of seating. The entrance is free (bag search). Gets a bit busy about 30 min before the performance (currently Inter Alia with Rosamund Pike). The building is a notable example of post-WWII Brutality architecture. While its radical minimalism and anti-aesthetics is not for everyone, it was fitting well the post-WWII resources deprivation and priorities re-evaluation (i.e. the shift from pompous public projects to NHS and other projects that prioritize human lives). Creative night lighting, both inside and outside, adds an extra visual appeal while preserving the core concepts of the style.
Yulia Voevodskaya - a month ago
An absolute masterpiece of brutalist architecture, with an incredible use of space, well worth a visit, even if you don’t see a play. Lots of wonderful places to eat, drink and sit. The bookstore is fabulous. Pictures don’t really capture it.
Richard S - 3 months ago
Visiting the National Theatre in London was a truly enriching experience. From the moment I entered the building, I was struck by the architectural elegance and the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. The space manages to feel both grand and intimate, with thoughtful design that invites you to slow down, observe, and soak in the cultural energy.
I attended a performance of [insert name of the play or production here], and it exceeded all my expectations. The direction was sharp, the pacing flawless, and the performances from the cast were deeply compelling. Every actor brought nuance and authenticity to their roles, and the emotional weight of the story was palpable throughout the auditorium.
What stood out most to me was the staging and set design—visually stunning, with clever transitions and lighting that enhanced the narrative without ever overshadowing it. The sound design and live music (if applicable) were also beautifully integrated, creating an immersive environment that kept the audience fully engaged.
The National Theatre staff were professional and courteous, helping to create a smooth and enjoyable experience from beginning to end. Even the intermission felt like part of the magic, with spaces to relax, grab a drink, and discuss what we’d seen so far.
In short, the National Theatre delivers not just a show, but an entire journey. It’s a place where powerful storytelling, artistic innovation, and human connection converge. I left the theatre inspired, moved, and already planning my next visit.
Andre Paie - 2 months ago
Great building (if a little architurally ugly). Lots of good bars, cafes etc along with the 3 amazing theatres.
We went to see Hamlet in the Lyttelt0on Theatre, which was great
Matt Henry - 2 weeks ago
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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

