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Theatre Tours

Discover secrets behind-the-scenes on one of our tours.

 

A tour guide talking to a tour group in the Olivier theatre auditorium. The tour participants wearing orange high-visibility vests.

Journey behind the scenes to find out how we make shows come to life on stage.

Each Guided Tour is a unique experience and varies according to what is available on the day. As a busy working theatre, our routes may be altered at short notice, but we can promise that our expert guides will always make it an unforgettable visit.

Tour bookers also receive 10% off in the National Theatre Bookshop. Simply show your tour ticket at the till, valid on the day of your tour.

Reviews

Rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor since 2015, read reviews of our tours on their website to find out why we’re the hottest ticket in town, even before the curtain is raised.

Guided Theatre Tour

Take a guided tour of the National Theatre and discover the secrets of one of the most iconic buildings on the South Bank.

Led by one of our expert guides, our 75-minute tour takes you on a journey behind the scenes to see what’s being made in our on-site carpentry, props and scenic painting workshops, and discover how we create our world-class productions.

You’ll also explore the design and unique features of this renowned building, including our auditoriums.

Guided Theatre Tour information

Times

Public Guided Tours take place at 5pm, Monday–Friday and 12 noon on Saturdays.
Private tours can be arranged at additional times – contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

There are 20 spaces available per tour.

Access booking information

Suitability for children

Book tickets for Guided Tours to 30 March 2024

Book tickets for Guided Tours from 1 April 2024

Guided Theatre Tour prices

Full price until 31 March, £15, Student, £13
Disabled/Companion, £13; sign up to our Access List to book.

Full price from 1 April, £18, student £15
Disabled/Companion, £15; sign up to our Access List to book

Group Guided Tours

Bringing ten or more people? Bring the whole team and get discounted tickets or a private tour.
Groups of 10+ get tickets for £12.50 per person until 31 March.
Groups of 10+ get tickets for £13.50 per person from 1 April.

For more information or to book a Group Guided Tour, contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

If you are bringing 20+ people and wish to arrange catering for your group, either before or after your private tour, let us know and we will happily put you in touch with our Food & Drink team.

Family Tours

Join one of our National Theatre Family Tours, perfect for 7–11 year-olds.

Our 60-minute tour is an ideal way to introduce children to theatre and how it is made.

Visit one of our world-famous theatres, journey behind the scenes to see what’s being created in our on-site workshops and get the chance to play with props and costumes used in previous productions.

Family Tours information

Suitability

The recommended age for this tour is 7-11, and we regret that under-5s will not be permitted. Older children may benefit more from our general Guided Tour.

Start time

11am – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during UK school holidays.

There are 20 spaces available per tour (including adults and children).

Access booking information

Family Tours prices

Adult £15.00, Child £7.50

Book tours to 30 March

Book tours from 1 April

Tours on request

Architecture tours

Delve into the architecture of the National Theatre on our special tour, bringing the history of our iconic South Bank building to life. The tour is ideal for anyone with an interest in design, London history, 20th-century architecture and Brutalist buildings.

Available as a private group tour of up to 20 people, the tour is the perfect experience for design and culture enthusiasts alike.

To find out more and to book a private architecture tour please email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

Exclusive Tours

Sweep back the curtains and explore behind the scenes with an intimate backstage tour at the National Theatre. Find out more about our work and see up close how our productions are made.

The perfect birthday, anniversary or gift for theatre lovers or anyone looking for a unique experience.

Specially created for groups of up to four people.

To book this unforgettable experience please email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

School Tours

Step behind the curtain and into the world of theatre with a schools’ backstage tour at the National Theatre. Explore iconic theatres, props and costumes, and the rich history of this cultural landmark.

Perfect for aspiring theatre-makers and curious minds alike, it’s an unforgettable peek into the magic of the National Theatre.

Preferential rates available for UK state schools.

To book and find out more please email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

Access and tours

If you have specific access requirements, please contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk

For the hearing impaired (including hearing aid users) the Contego system, an easy-to-use wireless listening device, is available for use on Guided Tours. Please inform us at the time of booking if you would like to use the Contego system.

Children and tours

Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of five on Guided Tours, this includes babies and children in pushchairs.

Whilst tours are generally recommended for ages 12+ (7-11 for Family Tours), if you are interested in bringing a group of younger children, private group tours can be adjusted to suit. Please inform us at the time of booking.