NATIONAL THEATRE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Open: Mon - Sat: 10:00AM to 11:00PM
Time Needed: 2.5 hours
Price: £20
Some believe that London’s National Theatre is the greatest theatre in the world, and rightfully so. With three 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 two different restaurants, bars, a café and tours for visitors. Why not visiting the theatre to relax after a free walking tour in London?
National Theatre Highlights
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 offers tours to visit the venue:
- Guided Theatre Tour – This 75-minute tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre. Visitors can explore on-site carpentry, props, and scenic painting workshops to learn about the processes involved in building sets, creating props, and painting scenes.
- Family Tours – Ideal for families with children aged 7-11, this 60-minute tour provides an interactive experience. Children can handle production props and try on costumes.
Architecture Tours and Private Tours are also available on demand.
Special Tips
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.
Getting There
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.
By car: If you are driving, there is a car park underneath the National Theatre, and the entrance ramp is on the southwest corner under the building.
By taxi: If you're travelling by taxi, there is a drop-off point just behind the Southbank Center (which is a few metres west of the building). You can also take a taxi to the top of Theater Avenue.
Visiting The National Theatre
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.
Ticket price and Opening costs
The National Theatre building is open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, there are no performances, and both the library and the Box Office are closed.
For ticket options, there are a variety of choices depending on the performance you choose. Here are some budget-friendly options:
- Preview Tickets: Priced between £20 to £35 per person, these are available for some of the first performances at the venue.
- Friday Rush Tickets: At £10 per person, these tickets are sold online every Friday at 1:00 p.m. for the following week's performances.
- Standing Tickets: For £5 per person, these are available for daytime performances after all other tickets have been sold.
- General Standby Tickets: Save up to £15 off selected tickets, available from 90 minutes before the performance.
- Reduced Standby Tickets: Priced at £20 per person, these are available from 45 minutes before a performance.
- Standby Tickets: Prices vary depending on the performance and are available just before the performance, subject to availability.
Additionally, you can book a tour:
- Guided Theatre Tours: These tours take place at 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and at 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The cost is £18 for adults, £15 for students and disabled visitors (including their companions), and £13.50 per person for groups of 10 or more.
- Family Tours: Held at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during UK school holidays, the cost is £15 for adults and £7.50 for children, with a limit of 20 participants per tour, including both adults and children.
The underground car park at the National Theatre in London is open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to midnight.
Are you planning a visit to the National Theatre? You might also be interested in the many free tours in London departing daily.