Royal National Theatre

Welcome to the Royal National Theatre, the UK's flagship venue for the dramatic arts, situated on the vibrant South Bank of the Thames. Opened for performances in 1976 and 1977, this iconic structure was designed by architect…

The centerpiece of the complex is the Olivier Theatre, named after the legendary actor and the theatre's first artistic director, Laurence Olivier. This auditorium is modeled after ancient Greek theatres, featuring a massive…

Behind the scenes, the National Theatre functions like a specialized industrial city. Connecting the various workshops is a central pathway known as Drum Road. …

In the costume department, the transformation of an actor into a character truly begins. Here, makers create every garment worn on stage, ensuring they are historically accurate and perfectly suited to the play's setting. …

While the Olivier is the most famous, the Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres provide essential variety to the complex. The Lyttelton seats just under 900 people and features a traditional proscenium arch stage, making it ideal for…

The National Theatre is intended to be a 'theatre for all,' and its expansive foyers are a key part of that mission. These public spaces are open to everyone every day except Sunday, offering cafes, bars, and bookshops where…

Before any actor steps onto one of the three main stages, they spend weeks in the rehearsal rooms. These are the spaces where the director and the company 'work out' the production, exploring the script and developing the…

As we conclude our tour of the Royal National Theatre, we hope you have gained an insight into the immense labor and creativity that sustain this institution. From Denys Lasdun's bold Brutalist design to the intricate work of the…