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NT : Discover : Backstage : Lighting and special effects

Lighting and special effects

  • Lighting

    Focusing lights for the rep

    The way a set and actors are lit have a major impact on the mood of a scene. The National's lighting department deploys everything from the humble parcan to complex automated lights.

  • Special effects

    Armoury (Overview)

    Special effects such as pyrotechnics are often taken care of by the National's in-house Armoury.

  • Video

    Video in ENGLAND PEOPLE VERY NICE

    Video is being used increasingly frequently as a dynamic and dramatically effective way to provide backdrops and - on occasion - fully interactive scenic settings which could never have been achieved (or afforded) using traditional methods.

Your Visit

  • Getting Here

    getting here

    Your guide to getting to the National Theatre on the South Bank

  • First Time Visitor

    First time visitors frequently asked questions, image of audience

    FAQs from people who have not been to the National Theatre before

  • Food and Drink

    Image of fruit, cheese and cured meats

    Restaurants, Cafes and Bars at the National Theatre

  • Backstage Tours

    People on a Backstage Tour

    Behind the scenes tours, up to six times a day

  • Front of House

    Image of person interacting with the Big Wall

    Free exhibitions and music, interactive Big Wall, spacious foyers