Welcome to the National Theatre
The National's building stands next to Waterloo Bridge on the South Bank of the Thames in London.
we are open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 11pm, all year round (except for bank holidays - check with the Information Desk for details), and on a number of Sundays from noon to 6pm (check the calendar for dates).
We have three permanent auditoriums - the Olivier, Lyttelton and Cottesloe Theatres - and in these three theatres, we present a mix of new plays and classics, with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time.
Apart from these productions, the National offers all kinds of other events and services:
- Short early-evening Platform performances
- Free exhibitions in the foyers
- Live music before performances
- One of the world's best-stocked theatre bookshops to browse
- A wide choice of places to eat and drink
- Work for children and education work
- A car park beneath the building
Visitors can interact with The Big Wall, which focuses on a current production at the National Theatre and will be soon provide information on the full programme, providing a new, interactive way of experiencing theatre.
Photo by P Cook
The Information Desk in the main entrance foyer is open during these times and staff are happy to answer your questions. Information Desk staff also conduct the Backstage Tours, so there's not much about the National that they don't know. Tel +44 (0)20 7 452 3400.
The Box Office is open from 9.30am to 8pm, for callers in person and by phone Monday to Saturday (except for bank holidays - check beforehand for details). Tel +44 (0)20 7 452 3000.
Just across the river from Covent Garden, and close to the concert halls of the Royal Festival Hall, the National Film Theatre and the Hayward Gallery, the National is open to the public all day, six days a week (and now seven days a week - check the calendar for dates when we're open on Sundays), fifty-two weeks a year, and has spacious foyers and terraces overlooking the river.
If you want further information regarding the National, look at the Frequently Asked Questions.
Enjoy exploring the National's many attractions, and let us know what you think.
Royal National Theatre
South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Box Office +44 (0)20-7452 3000
Information +44 (0)20-7452 3400
Switchboard +44 (0)20-7452 3333
E-mail info@nationaltheatre.org.uk
The National welcomes your e-mails, but is not in a position to answer them all.
The National Theatre is a fully non-smoking building.
Find out how to get to the National and how to find your way around the building once you're here.
Read an article on the National Theatre on the Britannica website
The new National Theatre looking towards St Paul's
