About the National Theatre

The National Theatre stages over 20 theatre productions a year. These are put on in our three auditoriums − the Olivier and Lyttelton theatres and The Shed − and in these three theatres, we present a mix of new plays and classics, with up to six productions in repertory at any one time.

You can buy theatre tickets online on this website, or call our Box Office on 020 7452 3000.

Apart from these productions, the National offers all kinds of other events and services:

• Short early-evening Platform events, including talks and conversations

• Free exhibitions in the foyers

• Inside Out − outdoor events in the Summer months (link opens a new window)

• Backstage tours

• One of the world's best-stocked theatre bookshops to browse
• A wide choice of places to eat and drink
• Learning workshops and activities for people of all ages
• A car park beneath the building
• Free cloakrooms

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 most Sundays from noon to 6pm (check the calendar for dates).

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 7452 3400.

The Box Office is open from 9.30am to 8pm, in person and by phone Monday to Saturday (except for bank holidays − check beforehand for details) and from noon to 3pm on most Sundays. Tel +44 (0)20 7452 3000.

Just across the river from Covent Garden, and close to the concert halls of the Southbank Centre, the National Film Theatre and the Hayward Gallery, the National is open to the public, with spacious foyers and terraces overlooking the river.

If you want further information regarding the National, look at the Frequently Asked Questions or explore the Archive and the Discover More section.

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 emails, but is not in a position to answer them all.

The National Theatre is a fully non-smoking building.

Read an article on the National Theatre on the Britannica website