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
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 - a week ago
A fantastic theatre with a brilliant auditorium. A fine example of brutalist architecture. Obviously your experience is coloured by what you see and we saw the amazing Nye with Michael sheen. Worth ten stars really.
andrew rendall - 2 weeks ago
Been here a few times, always great theatre experience here. Was here watching London road recently - enjoy the production very much. Toilet is free to use and clean too
Kin Chung Ow - a month ago
NOT TO BE MISSED. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had the most amazing day at the Nation Theatre. Everything was so accessible which is most important to me being a wheelchair user. All staff were incredibly supportive & respectful.
There is a Wheelchair accessible Car Parking area that was a blessing because getting parking can be as nightmare especially for a wheelchair user. Plenty of parking not only for Blue Badge Holders but for everyone, Reasonable rates. If you Book online through Horizon it’s £7.25 All Day Which is incredible for parking in London. Well done Horizon for offering such a fantastic price for parking. We will definitely be back again.
The Security Officer/Security Bag Check was most helpful & very respectful.
There is a lovely gift shop with plenty of gift items and nice items to purchase.
Atrium Cafe, Where you can buy light Snacks and drinks Coffee & Teas.
The Understudy Bar, is a livery Riverside Pub which is on the ground floor serving delicious food & drinks.
Lasdon Restaurant is serving a wonderful selection of meals, snacks & drinks. Step Free Access.
Forza Wine which is accessible by using the glass lift on the ground floor sells a selection of wines, drinks from Peckham’s Famous Wine Bar. Also a good choice of Bar snacks
The Grind is another place within the National Theatre that has a brilliant selection of cocktails 🍹 🐓 wines 🍷Speciality Coffee ☕️& tasty pastries 🥐 🥮.
We would like to thank every member of staff for such a welcoming atmosphere for their kindness & fantastic customer care skills, You are all an asset to the company you all deserve double pay. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😊😊😊😊😊♥️♥️♥️♥️
Tracey - 2 months 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 - 3 months 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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Accommodations near National Theatre:
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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