Our theatres and event spaces
The National Theatre is home to three theatres, spacious foyers, two learning spaces and an events hire venue on the South Bank of the Thames, in central London.
The National Theatre is on the South Bank, just minutes from Covent Garden, the West End and Waterloo.
The main entrance is on the riverside walkway, facing west, close to Waterloo Bridge.
The address is National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX.
For information on travelling to the National Theatre, visit our Getting here page.
Our theatres
Olivier Theatre
The Olivier theatre is the largest of the three theatres at the National. It can seat 1,150 people in its fan-shaped auditorium, and we present 2,000 years of drama on its open stage.
Lyttelton Theatre
The Lyttelton theatre is a traditional-style proscenium arch (the frame that surrounds a stage space, separating the audience from the stage) theatre. Its basic shape may be conventional but it has excellent sightlines from every seat.
Dorfman Theatre
The Dorfman theatre is our most flexible auditorium. It is a rectangular room, which can hold up to 450 people. It has a flexible seating system that allows directors and designers to stage plays in a variety of layouts.
The Clore Learning Centre
The Learning Centre houses the Duffield Studio and Cottesloe Room.
You can get to the Learning Centre via the Dorfman Theatre entrance, which has ramped access and an automated door, and is on the east side of the National Theatre.
Cottesloe Room
The Cottesloe Room is a seminar space ideal for talks, events and small-scale workshops.
Access via three steps from the Dorfman foyer, or accessible lift.
Duffield Studio
The Duffield Studio is a large studio space. It is designed for practical workshops covering aspects of theatre craft from scenic art to lighting design.
Access is via accessible lift from the Dorfman foyer.
National Theatre Studio
83 – 101 The Cut
LONDON, SE1 8LL
John Lyons Education Studio (JLES)
Located at the National Theatre Studio, a short walk from the National Theatre and Waterloo Station, next to the Old Vic Theatre on The Cut.
The JLES is a large workshop space designed for movement and text-based workshops.
Access is via a ramp from the front entrance to NT Studio.
The Studio
The Studio is home to the Archive, the John Lyons Learning Centre and the New Work Department of the National Theatre.
Looking for venue hire? Our flexible rooftop events venue offers breath-taking panoramic views across the Thames.
Visit the Buffini Chao Deck website for details and bookings
Please note: the spaces in the Clore Learning Centre and the John Lyons Education Studio are unavailable for hire until July 2024.