WHAT'S ON AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE, LONDON
The National Theatre opened in 1976 and is a Grade II listed building. The National Theatre Company formed in 1963 with their first performance at The Old Vic under Sir Laurence Olivier. The NT has an impressive list of artistic directors, including Sir Peter Hall, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Nicholas Hytner, Rufus Norris, and Indhu Rubasingham.
The National Theatre has three theatres. The Olivier Theatre holds around 1160 seats, the Lyttelton 890 seats, and the Dorfman Theatre 400 seats. It has a worldwide reputation for championing new writing, including the premiere of Amadeus, and encouraged a new generation of directors. NT live broadcasts productions in cinemas, NT At Home is a streaming service, NT Collection streams for education, and NT Connections is a yearly youth theatre festival.
National Theatre tours include Dear England, War Horse, and An Inspector Calls. Olivier Award Winning Hadestown runs in the West End. Other notable productions and shows include The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, The Lehman Trilogy, and The Ocean At The End Of The Lane. You can book tickets online below for the National Theatre.
Most Popular Shows and Events at National Theatre, London
What's On at the National Theatre, London
Dear England

Olivier Theatre
Friday 25 April - Saturday 24 May 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A theatrical spectacle as uplifting as any England victory." (Telegraph). The Olivier Award-winning smash hit returns to the National Theatre. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern ...Here We Are

National Theatre, London
Friday 25 April - Saturday 28 June 2025
?Joe Mantello?s breathtakingly chic production?New York Times Critic?s PickIt?s a perfect day for brunch. Leo and Marianne Brink have found the ideal spot to take their friends. With great reviews, impeccable service and an extensive menu i...London Road

National Theatre, London
Friday 6 - Saturday 21 June 2025
???????Genuinely groundbreaking? Time OutAutumn, 2006. The everyday life of the Suffolk town of Ipswich is shattered by the discovery of the bodies of five women. The occupant of No. 79 London Road is arrested, charged and finally convicted...Till the Stars Come Down

National Theatre, London
Tuesday 1 July - Saturday 27 September 2025
Our smash-hit, sold-out production?transfers to the West End this summer for a strictly limited 13-week run. It?s Sylvia and Marek?s wedding and you?re all invited. Over the course of a hot summer?s day, a family gathers to welcome a newcom...Nye

National Theatre, London
Thursday 3 July - Saturday 16 August 2025
One man?s dream of the NHSFrom campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ?Nye? Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister. Confro...The Estate

National Theatre, London
Wednesday 9 July - Saturday 23 August 2025
Being the favourite comes at a priceThe leader of the opposition has been forced to resign in a scandal. Against the odds Angad Singh emerges as the favourite. He could win, he could make history, he could really change things ? as long as ...Inter Alia

National Theatre, London
Thursday 10 July - Saturday 13 September 2025
A searing new play from the team behind Prima FacieJessica Parks is smart, compassionate, a true maverick at the top of her career as an eminent London Crown Court Judge. At work she?s changing and challenging the system one case at a time....The Land of the Living

National Theatre, London
Tuesday 9 September - Saturday 1 November 2025
?All my life ? all your life ? I?ve struggled with this: was what I did ?wrong???Germany, 1945. Thomas, one of thousands of children stolen by the Nazis from Eastern Europe during WWII, is under the care of Ruth, a UN relief worker. Should ...End

National Theatre, London
Thursday 13 November - Saturday 20 December 2025
Every love story has a final chapterAlfie and Julie?s love story has been one of music, laughter, and heartache. On one early morning in June, they must write their ending. Clive Owen (Closer) is Alfie and Saskia Reeves (Slow Horses) is Jul...Ballet Shoes

Olivier Theatre
Monday 17 November 2025 - Saturday 21 February 2026
The bestselling book revitalised for the stage In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy - are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guid...How to get to the National Theatre, London
National Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
Upper Ground South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
National Theatre has an underground carpark which is accessed via the south-west corner of the National Theatre, on Upper Ground.
Tube - Waterloo, Southwark, Embankment
Bus - Nearest stops are Waterloo Bridge, Upper Ground, Waterloo Road, and Stamford Street.
The National Theatre has a seating capacity of 1160 in The Olivier Theatre.
Click here to view a seating plan.
For more information on tickets at The National Theatre, you can visit their ticket information page.
If you would like to buy a ticket in person from The National Theatre Box Office, they are open:
Monday - Saturday - 11am - 6pm
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
For individual shows and concerts, if the timing is not listed under our 'more info' tab for that particular event, you can contact National Theatre for further assistance and information.
Please click here for more information regarding access at The National Theatre
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to feedback to the National Theatre, please click here to email them.
If you lose an item during a visit to the National Theatre, you can call them on 020 7452 3473.
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for accommodation near the National Theatre.
The National Theatre has bars, restaurants and cafes where you can purchase food and drink. These may be allowed into the theatre.
Latecomers will only be admitted at a suitable break in the performance.
The National Theatre has numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.
Click here for some great places and ideas for food whilst in London.
You can visit the National Theatre's FAQ page.
You can visit the National Theatre's Contact us page.
Please note that LondonTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the National Theatre and all other venues in London and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.