Skip to main content

Discover

A shot of the Sherling High Level walkway backstage at the National Theatre, a balcony overlooking the set and prop-making departments

Whether you’re a teacher or a student, new to theatre or a long-time lover – dive into our free online resources.

From teacher packs to podcasts to digital exhibitions, there’s lots of ways to discover.

 

Fancy watching theatre from your sofa?

Sign up to NT at Home

Discover unforgettable British theatre from the comfort of your home. Rent productions or subscribe from £9.99 a month.

Online exhibitions

A photograph of actor Paterson Joseph in 'Elmina's Kitchen' by Kwame Kwei-Armah, National Theatre production 2003
'Elmina's Kitchen' written by Kwame Kwei-Armah, directed by Angus Jackson at the National Theatre, 2003. Paterson Joseph as 'Deli'. Photograph by Ivan Kyncl.

We have partnered with Google Arts & Culture to produce a series of online exhibitions on the history of the National Theatre.

The collection includes: Black plays at the National Theatre, an architectural history of the National Theatre South Bank building, Greek Theatre and much more.

Explore online exhibitions

Video collections

A production shot of Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear in 'Othello', National Theatre 2013

Shakespeare

Shakespeare plays have been staged throughout the National Theatre’s 60 years, beginning with Hamlet in 1963 up to the present day.

Shakespeare at the National Theatre video collection

Shakespeare at the National Theatre online exhibition

An image of Helen McCrory starring as 'Medea' at the National Theatre production from 2014, smoking a cigarette and in profile

Greek theatre

Discover how the challenges of staging Greek theatre have been met on the National Theatre’s stages through four themes; performance space, setting, chorus, and masks.

Greek theatre at the National Theatre video collection

Greek tragedy at the National Theatre online exhibition

Talks, events and podcasts

Three men sitting on chairs on a bare stage under a large whte light

Life in Stages

Conversations between some of the biggest names in British theatre filmed on an empty National Theatre stage.

Life in Stages videos on YouTube
The words That Black Theatre Podcast in white against a black and blue background

That Black Theatre Podcast

Nadine Deller presents a series of conversations celebrating the leaders of Black British theatre in the context of the socio-political events that have influenced their work. Listen on the Black Plays Archive website.

That Black Theatre Podcast
Clint Dyer, Roy Williams, Ola Animashawun and Michael Balogun on a Zoom talk

Talks

Watch highlights of the National Theatre’s Talks programme.

Talks, events & training landing page

Archives

Somebody opening a blue archive drawer

The Archive

Explore the National Theatre’s Archive, holding a treasure trove of materials. Open to everyone by appointment.

Archive landing page
The writer Winsome Pinnock during rehearsals for her play, Leave Taking, in 1995 - holding a hot drink whilst someone points a pencil at a script

Black Plays Archive

The National Theatre’s Black Plays Archive catalogues the first professional production of every African, Caribbean and Black British play produced in the UK.

Black Plays Archive

Teacher resources:

Young people performing during The Witches schools workshop

Learning Hub: teaching resources

Introducing our new online library of teaching resources, searchable by key stage, genre or production area. Explore rehearsal diaries, interviews with practitioners and much more.

Suitable for all key stages. 

Primary teacher resources
A classroom of pupils watching the NT Collection on a screen.

National Theatre Collection

Sign up to our schools streaming service the National Theatre Collection.

Free for UK primary and secondary state schools.

National Theatre Collection landing page