NATIONAL THEATRE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Open: Mon - Sat: 9:30AM to 11:00PM
Price: £18
Time Needed: 2,5 hours
Some believe that London’s National Theatre is the greatest theatre in the world, and rightfully so. With four different auditoriums showcasing up to 25 different shows a year, not to mention a strong presence in London’s West End theatre district, the National Theatre (also known as the Royal National Theatre) has become a haven for theatre fanatics from all over the world.
Perched on the South Bank riverside, this massive theatre is also a learning centre which hosts theatre tours throughout the year, and even broadcasts to cinemas all over the world through its National Theatre Live Stream (which also plays free to UK schools).
Besides producing theatre performances and events of the highest calibre, the venue also boasts its own bookshop selling books, playtexts and gifts, as well as three different restaurants, a bar and daytime tours for visitors.
Regardless of what type of performance you plan on seeing at the National Theatre, you are bound to be graced by some of the best acting, directing and producing on the planet.
Luckily for theatre fanatics, the National Theatre now offers four different tours to choose from:
If you don't have time to see a performance at the theatre, try and take a walk along the Shearling High Level Walkway (which can be accessed through the Dorfman Theatre foyer) and watch staff construct props for the upcoming performances.
If you don't want to pay for a National Theatre programme, you an always pick up a cast list for free.
Sometimes the National Theatre hosts performances that are a tad on the experimental side, so make sure you read the reviews of each show beforehand, or choose something that has been running at the theatre for quite some time.
Address
Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom (See map).
By Tube
The nearest stations are Waterloo (a six-minute walk away), and Southwark (a nine-minute walk away).
By Train
The nearest station is Waterloo, which is a six-minute walk away.
By Bus
You can reach the National Theatre via routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 341 and X68.
To find out more information about the many events and performances being held at the National Theatre throughout the year, check the main page of their official website.
For more popular productions, you may want to head to the theatre extra early and start waiting in a queue outside the main National Theatre entrance. Be aware that there are different box offices for each theatre – so make sure you’re standing in line for the right one.
The National Theatre has restaurants cafes, bars and even an Espresso Bar located in the building, most of which boast seats which overlook the South Bank.
The National Theatre building is open from:
Although there are no performances at the National Theatre on Sundays, the kitchen, bookshop and box office are open from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the Understudy bar is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
There are a variety of ticket options to choose from depending on which performance you choose. However if you want to save money or if you’re on a budget, some of the many discounted tickets to take advantage of are:
The National Theatre’s car park is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
A tour of terror as you step into the world of Jack the Ripper!
Schedule:
Duration: 2 hours