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
I saw Dear England here last night and wow, what a performance! It was my first time visiting the National Theatre and I'd heard good things about the play, so I went in with high expectations. The play was spectacular and unlike anything I'd seen before; it told of Gareth Southgate's story as England manager and was an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. The incorporation of comedy into the show was great; I loved all of the characters personalities and how they were very similar to their real life counterparts. The set and sound design was flawless and the theatre itself was clean when I arrived. I was sat at the very top left of the theatre and had a good view of the entire performance all throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at the National Theatre and would gladly return in the future to see another show.
Luke Bourne - a week ago
The best theatre in London, go and see whatever they have on. Its brutalist balconies are home to some of the most beautiful views of London out there. The ground floor cafe isn’t too expensive considering the central London location and it’s a nice place to sit and not be hassled. Long live the NT
Ella - 2 weeks ago
Lovely time was had. Saw a play. My first visit to The National Theatre. Pleasant place . The entrance was a bit dark for my liking could have been brighter. The seating inside the theatre was very good. Had quite a good view from the Circle. Lighting was good also. Would like to visit again.
B Barr - 2 weeks ago
This is such an awesome Theatre. I have started to come here regularly. There is a good variety of what I would describe as fringe theatre as well as comedy and other small productions. The stage downstairs can sometimes feel as though you are part of the show :) The stage upstairs is a little larger and has more traditional seating, see my pic.
At the moment, I do recommend the show "Alterations", we loved it, accessible for any public.
The ambiance outside and in the main entrance is so good and large that some students even go to study there.
I. Hich-Hel. - 3 weeks ago
Thank you for an excellent performance of Dear England.
You cast Gareth Southgate and Jordan pickford brilliantly.
Walthamstow got a mention in the script!!!
And I've kept a can of Dear England lager as a keepsake.
Stunning views of London from the balcony.
peter burke - 3 weeks ago
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
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