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Archive

Archive

The National Theatre Archive is a treasure trove of material, covering all of the creative, technical and administrative records of the National Theatre. The Archive is open to everyone by appointment. The collection covers the movement to found the National Theatre and the period from the start of the company in 1963 right up to the present day. 

We have an online Catalogue (this link opens in new window) and we provide research space and free screening facilities for individuals as well as groups, including schools and universities, and can accommodate up to 65 people for screenings. Captions are available for some production recordings, please ask the team for more information.

The Archive works closely with the Learning department for events in the Clore Learning Centre and to curate exhibitions front of house in the Lyttelton Lounge.

Explore the treasure trove yourself and book on to an NT Archive Unboxed Tour. 

Contact the Archive

Email:
Get in touch via the Archive contact form (this link opens in a new window).

Opening hours:
Open by appointment.

Term time: Monday and Wednesday 10am – 5pm; Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 8pm

Non-term time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10am – 5pm; Thursday 10am – 8pm

Phone:
+44 (0)20 7452 3135

Address:
NT Archive, NT Studio, 83-101 The Cut, London SE1 8LL

We are located next door to the Old Vic Theatre and a 3 minute walk from Waterloo Station. Click here to see our location on Google maps (link opens in a new tab).

Access:
The Archive research room is located on the first floor level and is accessible via a lift. If you have any specific access requirements please mention them on the Archive contact form. Captions are available for some production recordings, please ask the team for more information.

NT Archive Unboxed Tours

A session with staff from the NT Archive revealing the treasures of the collections and give an insight into how to use the many resources on offer.

Find out more

An NT Archivist in the NT Archive

National Theatre | Archive

The National Theatre Archive is a treasure trove of material, covering all of the creative, technical and administrative records of the National Theatre.

More info

Black Plays Archive

Explore the Black Plays Archive, an online catalogue for the first professional production of every African, Caribbean and Black British play produced in Britain.

Visit website

Black Plays Archive contact sheet

Online Exhibitions

Take a look at this series of Google Cultural Institute exhibitions, exploring Greek Tragedy, Shakespeare, Black Plays, Children's Stories and Architecture.

View exhibitions

Jocelyn Herbert Collection

The collection of theatre designer Jocelyn Herbert is held at the NT Archive with drawings, masks, notebooks and more to discover.
 

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The Oresteia, 1981 - Orestes and the Chorus of Furies