Reviews of National Theatre. (Other) in London (London).

National Theatre

0 Reviews

398 Comments

Other

Performing arts theater

Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX, United Kingdom

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Information of National Theatre, Other in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

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Reviews of National Theatre

Z. C.

Watched "HEX" here on 12th Jan. Very safe venue, everyone's covid passports are checked at the entrance (there's also a bag check point). A nice well-priced bar at the ground floor. Tip: the venue is huge and there are 3 theatre halls to be found. Arrive at least 20 min earlier to pass the entrance checks and find your hall.

A. I.

easy to find and beautiful at night. built to showcase plays and musicals. surrounded by things to see too and loads of nearby places to eat if you have time for it. definitely go and see a show here if you can :)

w. t.

Nice n cool Place. It was used to be full of life before Covid. Hope back in action again. Been there many times to enjoy music concerts. Well managed n well maintain. Helpful staff. Find out things easy by signings.

A. S.

Some of their productions/shows are like marmite, but never a bad word or complaint can be said about the staff or venue or performances generally. Always top notch customer service and casting.

R. S.

Great venue to watch high quality particularly modern plays. A few minute walk from Waterloo railway station if you come from outside London like us. You can also have a drink or eat here, or in one of the venues nearby. If you are into modern theatre, a visit to the National Theatre is a must.

L. k.

I had the most enjoyable time watching Small Island and have already bought another ticket to see it again! What an amazing show!

D. B.

We were in the Olivier Theater the other evening for "Hex". We are ardent theater goers and find the space outstanding. The only problem is that the center aisle lacks handrails for those physically handicapped like myself. I have difficulty judging step height when going down, and without a handrail, I need a personal escort to safely go down these steps. We like seats in the 5-7th rows, closer to the center.

N. G.

You see more and more people bringing their own flask of beverages here and you can't really blame them. The bar is a bit of a joke when it comes to queues and prices. In the seats, themselves, you're rammed in like battery chickens. All that said though, the performance was outstanding.

S. A.

Saw and interesting and quirky production of Wuthering Heights here. Excellent set with talented actors and musicians. Seamless and very well put together. Good facilities in this modern theatre.

S. H.

We saw Wuthering Heights at this theatre. The acting was brilliant and the stage set was very impressive. It was very cleverly done. I enjoyed it so much that we are going again.parts of it was funny. You must go and see it.

M. T.

The seating arrangements have enough leg room to strench a little bit. The actual play, props and actors were great and although the music was a bit jaring at times (the music part is only associated with Wuthering Heights) it was an overall great experience.

P. F.

Splendid experience/ show night out with expectant group of allies and friends We were not disappointed 'TROUBLE IN MIND' On Bill. Well everyone on sit edge or masking at the ebb and flows in great work by younger (Guildhall) and slightly less younger lol cast Dortmund Theatre Must visit

F. L.

Got to see the very touching "The Normal Heart" at the Olivier Theatre. It was a great performance in a great venue. The Olivier offered seating in the round for this performance and we booked two of the back seats and we were very close to the stage with a great view, even if some of the action was focused on the other side of the stage. Overall really happy with the venue and play.

C. H.

We really love this theatre and feel very privileged to see the amazing productions performed here. However, the current mask wearing policy is a joke. We were asked to wear masks and we were happy to comply but there were quite a few people who didn't. And apparently while you're eating and drinking the virus takes a holiday. I know this is a problem created by the idiocy of this current government but please can some rationality be adhered to.

A. P.

We visited the Olivier Theatre, modern, spacious, good view from any seat due to its layout. The balcony has lovely views to river Thames. It has a great bookshop, bar and cafe. Good access, welcoming and accomodating to people with disabilities. Due to its modern design we didn't feel crowded.

G. J.

Poor signage makes navigating the site more difficult than it need be, however the real problem is with audience members who are obviously illiterate and innumerate and can't find their seats. Who the hell decided that all latecomers should be seated in the middle of the rows?

N. K.

The staff were really helpful and efficient. Visited the restaurant good quality food. The theatre I went to was the Dorfmann very different from the layout of other theatres at the National.

S. J.

Splendid experience, all staff are wearing masks and make guests comfortable

S. K.

First time at the National theatre yesterday. Fantastic building and architecture. Amazing views of London by night from the balcony .Watched Hex the musical. Amazing production, the whole family loved it.

A. B.

Just watched HEX at the Olivier. So moving yet outrageously funny. I so miss live theatre, this was the perfect evening to reawaken the soul. Well done NT.

J. H.

Saw the Normal Heart by Larry Kramer here tonight. Beautiful theater. Great show. Very emotional.

K. C.

The three stars is partly down to the lack of food options once inside the venue and the staff within the theatre bar. The taco bar inside takes 10 minutes plus to prepare food and the bar doesn’t have any snacks. I had to ask repeatedly for a different can of beer at the bar after mine was dropped by the server in front of me. (Disappointing). The theatre itself is lovely; great seats, good acoustics and lovely interiors.

S. T.

Yesterday I watched Hex the musical which was mesmerising. Unfortunately though I left my wallet in my seat so was delighted to find that a member of staff handed it into lost property so I was able to collect it today. Thank you so much for your honesty and care

O. S.

East is East is a classic in my household so we watched it at the theatre. The actors and performance was great. Small cosy theatre so everyone gets a good view. The lost star is because the bar is ridiculously expensive. 2 drinks (singles) and a bag of crisps cost £26.

V. G.

My first time at the National Theatre. Came to see Paradise.. a modern take by Kai Tempest on an ancient Greek story.. Wonderful atmosphere and terrific acting by the cast. Seating at the top of the stalls but had a wonderful view.. Definitely recommended..

P. S.

June 26, 2021. Our first theatre visit since the start of the Covid era. NT taking great care to maintain social distancing between people; but in a kind way. Including empty seats around all "bubbles". Wonderful performance of Under Milk Wood, skilfully adapted from the original radio play. Lovely sunset afterwards, though we can't credit the NT with that !

G. M.

Love the whole building, every floor has several toilets and bars, and also a restaurant. Amazing view, clean theatre, comfortable seats.

T.

Loved the show I saw. They always show an interesting and intellectually stimulating range of performances. Comfortable seating and a great range of options for snacks and drinks.

M. P.

Cool location on the South Bank near to Waterloo station, spacious building with excellent facilities, friendly and welcoming staff. No hard sell of programmes or anything. Lots of nice seating areas in which to wait before performance. Olivier theatre: Loved the layout -- so many seats with a great view of the stage. An easy 5 star and a definite promise to return!

D. M.

Nice venue and lovely staff. The production was good as well. As normal in the theatre drinks and ice cream expensive.

G. B.

Post lockdown, The National is back and has picked up right where it left off. This years programming is looking exciting, and it’s a joy to be able to return to the space. The new round staging works amazingly well for a redevelopment and was well timed, allowing for increased seating and better audience spacing during the reopening. During the reopening processes, the procedure of watching a play is changed: queuing outside, direct entry to the theatre, no intermission or bar, and a quick exit. Nonetheless, it’s great that theatre in London is back!

N. S.

I love the National Theatre. So many great productions and interesting events, beautiful bookshop and cafés, friendly, helpful staff - always worth a visit!

K. U.

I love the National Theatre. Parking in their car park is easy. Then inside it has cafes, bars and a bookshop plus 3 theatres! Great location and views!

J. J.

It’s a really great theatre. I have seen 2 shows here: The Visit and the Mannor. The Visit was fantastic while the Mannor rather disappointing but the scenography was very impressive! They have great offers for promotional tickets such as Friday Rush tickets where you can try to get tickets for £10

R. G.

Front of house service is a total shambles for anything except a drink at a bar. Even COVID can't excuse this level of chaos just to get a cup of coffee. If its OUR National Theatre, then WE deserve better. I was going to donate to their appeal until I experienced the front of house treatment. The play was great though. Other aspects of your 'visitor experience' are important too, NT.

C. D.

We saw A small Island in the Olivier. the theatre and the play did not disappoint us. The play was so much better than I could have anticipated.

C. G. E.

Paradise, hat a show and what a venue. All very Covid secure now but done with charm and efficiency, expect bag check and lines. Looks like the bookshop is gone, hopefully not permanent, and no seating or mixing areas. I was surprised at how strict it all was, most other places have returned to a near normality, but I respect the rules and don't care that much. I just want to see theatre and to be able to do so at the National is enough

M.

Good experience for a theatre play. The Cafe and bookshop are helpful for the waiting time. There is always so long queue at the lady’s room on the ground floor, but the one of upstairs is always empty. So it’s good idea to use that one when it’s quite busy on the ground floor

D. S.

I love NT, especially the Olivier theatre. I can honestly say I've never seen anything there I didn't love. And I've been there 12 times. This time we went to see "Paradise ". I read the reviews after I'd booked, and was concerned. All I can say: Don't trust reviews!

C. A.

We had a wonderful time at a recent performance of Amadeus. The atmosphere is intimate, with superb visibility towards the stage. The play is like nothing I've seen before, an engaging mix of classical and modern, wit and tragedy. We were completely spellbound, and the addition of live orchestra actors was a master stroke. The venue itself is generous and multi storey, including a restaurant, bar and extensive shop. There's no doubt that we will visit again.

B. M.

The National Theatre a big grand state owned theatre with three different auditoriums, it's architecture is 70s brutalist. The only problem is their staff, they're very slow at serving and none too bright. One of their cost check staff tried to give me the coat and bag of another patron! So be careful when collecting your coat and bag?!

L. D.

Brilliant love the architecture and East is East was interesting and entertaining.

L. W.

Always a place I want to be! Lovely staff and ushers, some great shows too. I would have liked the drinks menu to be a little boarder as I don’t drink alcohol or fizzy drinks but apart from that, I was happy with my water. Easy location to find from Waterloo which means you can have a really pleasant evening in London and not stray too far from the station.

K. P.

Excellent theatre and the performance/cast were fantastic. I can’t wait to go again! Got slightly lost finding the correct seat but got there in the end 😂

R.

This is so stylish, attractive, inspirational spot. I definitely want to go back again after Covid restrictions.:))

S. W.

I like the ideas that inspire the National Theatre, and the foyer space is lovely. The food is quite tasty, but overpriced.

B.

I am giving this rating for the House Restaurant. The best Theatre menu and food I have ever eaten at a Theatre. I love sitting and eating at the bar here. There is quite often a director, actor.... sitting here too. The staff are very sleek and professional, especially considering the amount of covers compared to staff. Always great at dealing with food in tolerances.

J. F.

Went to see Macbeth, good production playing at the Olivier theatre. Brilliant set & cast with subtitle support on either side of the stage front. Plenty of comfortable rest & areas to buy a drink. Food area (the kitchen) quite small but a nice selection of cakes and savoury meals. Good location on the South Bank so loads of other cafes, street food and restaurants from which to choose.

H. G.

Death of England was one of the best plays (if not the best play) I’ve ever seen. It was so good that I went for a second time after a week. Rafe Spall’s performance was astonishing. Excellently written, directed and performed. I wish I could give it more stars.

C. G. E.

Paradise, hat a show and what a venue. All very Covid secure now but done with charm and efficiency, expect bag check and lines. Looks like the bookshop is gone, hopefully not permanent, and no seating or mixing areas. I was surprised at …

M. L.

Superb theatre. Excellent staff, incredible performances. Be prepared for expensive drinks but well worth it to assist this brilliant venue!

f. b.

Was a lovely venture and play.

E. T.

Rockets and Blue Lights - Brilliant

M.

Good experience for a theatre play. The Cafe and bookshop are helpful for the waiting time. There is always so long queue at the lady’s room on the ground floor, but the one of upstairs is always empty. So it’s good idea to use that one when it’s quite busy on the ground floor

J. B.

So pleased everything is open and normal again. I have missed the theatre, and saw the Normal Heart there recently which was so well done.

B. B.

Very nice vibe. Excellent coffee place.

t. n.

Lovely cafe. Always very quiet during the day. Great place to study.

H. G.

Death of England was one of the best plays (if not the best play) I’ve ever seen. It was so good that I went for a second time after a week. Rafe Spall’s performance was astonishing. Excellently written, directed and performed. I wish I could give it more stars.

B. M.

The National Theatre a big grand state owned theatre with three different auditoriums, it's architecture is 70s brutalist. The only problem is their staff, they're very slow at serving and none too bright. One of their cost check staff …

N.

Stunning brutalist building south of the river. This is a massive performance space in London with many theatres. The service here is always helpful and friendly, and some of the best shows in the world are performed here! Highly recommend catching a show here, or just visiting the space if you're in the area.

G. S.

Have been visiting the National Theatre for many years. Wonderful performances often from acclaimed actors with excellent viewing even when I've been up in the gods and reasonably comfortable seats. And in the interval, you can catch amazing views of London along the Thames. Usually a good range of prices also. But the National has so much more than just its theatres. Exhibitions, workshops, cafés, restaurants and bookshops. I love it.

J. K.

The Olivier Theatre has a huge unique stage with intimate seating. In the play is staged correctly, it’s a wonderful experience. I recently saw Translations — excellent acting and perfectly set in the theatre.

R. P.

Visited NT Cottesloe theatre, was a lovely experience. Nice venue, great productions, lovely to be able to see the actors after the play.

O. K.

I’ve seen so many shows here and they never disappoint! I also love spending time in the store- so many play selections!!

M. C.

Don't normally like musicals but this was OK. Great cast and overall an enjoyable night.

J.

I recently saw The Normal Heart at the National Theatre and it was absolutely wonderful! The theatre is beautiful and the shows they put on are excellent! I’ll be back again soon!

C. H.

What's not to like about being on the Southbank, drinking with friends. Great atmosphere as well as location. They need more bar staff though, queues can be long

K. 2.

People not wearing masks in auditorium meant I got pinged. Level of mask wearing poor, so if this is an issue, avoid. Shame because I used to love going to plays here.

J. B.

So pleased everything is open and normal again. I have missed the theatre, and saw the Normal Heart there recently which was so well done.

R. S.

One of the best theatres & theatre experiences in London

S. T.

Very good auditorium but signage could be better.

F. E.

Excellent venue - All seats provide great views of the stage. Good value for money

C. P.

I just love this theatre. Always so exciting to go here regardless of what's on. Just go, it's worth it.

E. s.

Architecturally lovely theatre as well as putting on a great selection of plays

M. S.

I just got back to the States from a month long college theatre class in London. The National Theatre was one of my favorite places to visit throughout my stay. I saw four shows here over three and a half weeks! And the ticket prices are so reasonable. I love the idea of a National Theatre too, and I wish the USA respected and supported the arts the way the UK does. Keep up the great work! I hope to be back in the not too distant future.

I.

Been coming to see plays in the National Theatre for years, and after a long covid break, it was wonderful to be back as part audience to see brilliant actors on stage!

W. A.

Bookings well ahead of time are needed to get seats to any shows here. The experience here is second to none, well staffed with shows that attracts directors and actors from all over the world

J. H.

Great place to restart our journey back to theatre going. Excellent play. Very safe environment. Brilliant young people on FOH. I'm 80 and not very mobile so was daunted by some of the rules but they made it all so easy. Just get the restaurants open asap so we get the full experience back.

M. S. (. B.

The play - Translations - was amazing! Interesting premise and brilliant performances from the actors. The edifice is great with all the necessary amenities, with a bar and a few stands for water and ice cream.

s. s.

The main stage is much better than the others but the building has very interesting architecture

S. G.

Probably one of the finest examples of a modern theatre alongside the Barbican. Exemplary design throughout including clear sign posting and easy access to everything. I would say the Barbican pips it to the post in regards to the extra legroom offered at seat, however I very much enjoyed my trip there

R. C.

I love the National, the staff, obviously theatre lovers, could not be more friendly or helpful, they very much add to the enjoyment of visiting. The productions at the national are without exception, outstanding and some of the most thought provoking and moving I have ever seen. I highly recommend visiting the National, no matter what you see, it will be worth it.

R. w.

Unfortunately all productions were cancelled due to covid . But have been many times before. Alway a pleasent place to visit .

E. I.

I saw three sisters at Lyttleton theatre. The seats were very comfortable and a good view of the stage. The stage had an amazing set and sound effects. I was in seat u15 in the stalls.

S. K.

Fantastic theatre. Went to see small island which is spectacular. The energy from the cast, the set, and the story were all captivating. Please go and see this before it closes. Image is view from the 3rd row in the stalls. Pleanty of leg room and really comfy seats (Olivier theatre)

M. Č.

All the staff was very helpful and they even helped me to deliver a fan letter. The building is beautiful and Olivier Theatre front side seats with "limited view" are really just perfect.

I. A.

Hasn't quite recovered post-pandemic - eg downstairs bar shut - four stars for that, but five stars for the quality drama.

S. W.

The National Theatre really is a place to be proud of. I have seen two NT productions recently, Small Island and The Lehman Trilogy and they were both 5 star, mind-blowing productions.

A. F.

My favourite place in London. South Bank. Can sit and watch the world go by here. Very busy. Best place to be. But not for DWEEBS. Aerial your TIME is not in here. You should be relieved. Hurry up and open, so I can get the CHEATs in.

D. N.

We saw "Afterlife" in the Dorfman Theatre, which forms part of the National Theatre complex. It was a wonderful production, which myself and my wife thoroughly enjoyed, not least because our seats were right at the edge of the stage, meaning that the actors were almost within touching distance. We found "Afterlife" to be a wonderful play, which was well acted, entertaining, moving and thought-provoking in equal measure. Not to be missed and always to be remembered!

K. V.

Love the productions on the National, always great quality of acting for ridiculously low ticket prices. Staff is very friendly and it can serve as a venue for drinks or food as well. Definitely recommend this.

M. A.

Mesmerizing play!Acting at its finest!

V. L.

One of the best auditorium in London. No restricted view at all from anywhere.

Z. V.

I saw Translations - one of the most amazing experiences for a play - the atmosphere and set was stunning. It's a nice building too, but of a maze but great for plays. Also right on the water so nice during intermission to oversee.

J. H.

My Son took me to watch Rockets and Blue Lights on Friday 27.08.2021 as a Birthday Gift. It was an excellent performance by all. Loved every minute of it xxxx

C. I.

Great ensemble group, helpful staff, great venue. Would recommend Paradise. The players drew me in and I experienced many different emotions; tears, laughter, anguish.

C. S.

Have been there twice this week, and will continue to see productions here when I can. Additionally, the large foyer is an excellent place to spend time during the day having a meal, a coffee, visiting the bookshop or sitting in a quiet corner writing or whiling the day away!

D. M.

Great theatre, nice place to grab a bite, quiet spots to sit and work or read. The main stage is stunning. A really good brutalist example. The terrace during summer is good to hang out with a drink. Always check out Travellex tickets.

M.

Always challenging and beautifully staged. Lesley Manville in The Visitor was excellent, American accent spot on.

N. S.

Fantastic National Gem. Great prices, good food choices, wonderful atmosphere. Get a backstage tour to really appreciate this venue!

A. G.

Food was overpriced and the staff were quite overbearing. The show was also quite a disappointment. Was expecting a lot more!

L. B.

Great theatre, good seating and acoustics. Great brutalist concrete building too.

L. A.

Absolutely incredible, amazing, wonderful. We went for the afternoon show of Amadeus on the Saturday and had almost front row seats due to the partnership with American Express even though the rest of the seats were sold out. The show was one of the best things we've ever seen and we would honestly recommend it to a high degree!

G. W.

Consistently innovative and offering extremely high quality production in a comfortable and engaging environment.

M.

Delighted it's back open, such a wonderful venue, Oh how we've missed you! However, we couldn't understand why we had to queue outside in the cold and rain for ages before we were let in, especially given that the Nat Theatre is big enough inside for social distancing anyway - and besides, we were all ended up in the same auditorium eventually anyway. Likewise when we piled out at the end, scial distancing wasn't adhered to which kind of made the inital entrance staggering a bit pointless. Still, it's great to be back so mustn't grumble - too much :)

S. G.

Architecture of this building is worth a look. The outside seems austere ("brutalist building") but you'll find a rich and complex world inside with multiple layers (ground, floors, celling). Nice café for a stop or a bit to eat. Of course, if you can grab theatre tickets, all the better.

S. M.

Fabulous experience, gripping throughout. Very proud 🥰

A. M.

We saw Anthony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre. The stage was impressive, a grand design that quickly changed from scene to scene. One moment, it's Cleopatra's palace and the next you're in Rome and then a battlefield. Beautiful work by the national theatre.

M. T.

It was beyond my expectations. 5* Do not miss it. Venue is also very good.

L. H.

Came to watch Brian Friehl's Translations. Brilliant production and just £15! Why I haven't been here already I do not know. Will definitely be coming back for more cheap plays and to enjoy the wonderful looking coffee shop.

t. n.

Lovely cafe. Always very quiet during the day. Great place to study.

H. N.

I was extremely grateful to the staff of the National Theatre who took excellent care of me when I became ill during a performance. The theatre itself is wonderful and always so innovative but the staff deserve five stars and a pay rise

L. B.

First visit to this iconic theatre. Went to see Follies. Absolutely fabulous in an amazing theatre. Highly recommended

P. S.

Excellent theatre producing quality shows Just saw East is East and it was marvellous.

K. I.

Have seen so many amazing things here over the years. The cultural beating heart of London! A must-visit for any theatre/performing arts enthusiast.

T. W.

Amazing venue with fantastic shows and incredible architecture and atmosphere.

S. U.

Great open space to relax in and enjoy tasty snacks and drinks from the bar.

b. s.

First visit good atmosphere with a nice restaurant.

T. g.

What am amazing theatre complex , if you want to see an amazing show , have a meal or even just drop in for a coffee this place offers it all . Friendly staff lots of choice for entertainment and food , and they even have a book shop .

C. G. J.

I spent a lovely saturday at the River Stage for one of the Glory takeover days. Lovely performances, atmosphere and views. The food in the theatre cafe is nice but I would've liked more street food options.

W. S.

An excellent evening at a great show - Small Island

J. R.

I’ve only been once or twice but each time has been a wonderful experience! A beautiful venue offering some of the best entertainment you could find!

S. K.

Always have a great experience at the National- the plays I’ve watched have been great and it’s my ‘regular’

S. B.

Two nice small theatres with stalls and a dress circle in each. Beverages and snacks available for purchase however quite overpriced. Seated balconies offering stunning views of the Thames and surrounding points of interest. Tickets cheapest in London however not too well know performances/performers. Would recommend for small groups, schools and those looking to see a good stage performance on a budget.

M. G. R.

What is great venue and play, The Normal Heart. Great evening even in the best company

C. Z.

I love the National, and was very pleased to be able to see live theatre again after what seemed a life time. The procedures the National have put in place due to Covid made me feel very safe and the play was excellent.

A. B.

Excellent, if OTT Covid precautions. Performance might have been better not being in the round as some actors hard to hear when facing away. (Even with my hearing aid up). Otherwise it was great to have live theatre and with Under Milkwood

K. W.

Fantastic building, great show (that will depend what you're seeing)

N. H.

After Life, what a great play, concept of what happens when we move on, so to speak, really enjoyed the play, nice casual dress code, casual shorts also allowed, very relaxing, recommend the play & location on South Bank

A. B.

Under Milk Wood was absolutely excellent. Going to a theatre with Covid-19 restrictions was handled as well as it could be by the National Theatre. The National Theatre is always a great place to visit.

V. I.

A great place for spending your day surrounded by many art events. Great coffee and kicken too.

J. F.

Tickets from £20 for some truly thought provoking shows what's not to like about that. This place is welcoming and inclusive, the staff are very helpful and there in no charge for the cloakroom and they don't push their merch!!!

K. “. B. B.

I've many, many cherished memories of superb performances. I have been enjoying this place since it opened (when all seats were £3, first come first served) :-).

A. L.

Wonderful most of the time. Struggling a bit dealing with Covid issues, I think. Too many rules, too little hospitality available (food, etc).

R. B.

Great to be back in the theatre, and a fantastic production of Paradise in the round. Comfy seats, friendly staff, pre-ordered drinks ;)

T. S.

Mostly excellent productions. Cafeteria is great for preshow meal.

A. A.

Small Island opening night ✅

B. P.

A fine example of Post-war Brutalist architecture

R. M.

Always a pleasure , the roof top gardens are showing a fantastic animation at the moment well worth a visit. The cafe is good and walks along the south bank from here are great.

T. D.

Due to coronavirus pandemic no one can just visit national theatre. Only ticket holders for performance are permitted to enter building. Bookshop is closed too.

J. M.

First time at the national theatre. Even though seats high up in the circle, really great theatre with good sight and sound.

O. A. M.

I liked the area and the structure of the building a lot. I used to go by Waterloo bridge quite a lot and see the building every time. I've not been inside the theater but it felt that this looks like a perfect theater.

P. T.

If you are a theatre lover, you can't miss this place. Nice wifi covered dining area and public space. Welcoming vibes to the public. Great shows choices.

L. P.

Great show, great food, everything is good

E. T.

Rockets and Blue Lights - Brilliant

J. G.

Excellent Brutalist architecture housing multiple theatres, showcasing the very best in Theatre. The very best of the best

B. B.

Very nice vibe. Excellent coffee place.

M. W.

Love this place - their contemporary theatre cannot be beaten

D. F.

Continues to excel in everything it does. I love this place, which is why I became a member.

I. S.

A great facility. There are excellent views from every seat in the theatres here, of which the Olivier is my favourite. The staff are always very helpful.

A. O.

Saw East is East. So nice to be at the theatre after 18 months.

T. A.

Beautiful view at night. Especially from the roof.

C. M.

Brilliant! Covid precautions well organised. Social distancing well planned. Felt really safe. The production of Under Milkwood was superb and Michael Sheen absolutely brilliant equally supported by the company.

B.

The architecture is amazing, I loved watching Paradise.

B. B.

It's great to see that theatre can be there for everyone, a very unpretentious place of culture.

S. G.

It's just so mint. Cool plays and eccy hangout spaces. Brill architecture. Magic views.

D. K.

Nice cozy place to rest from your walk. Coffees are at 3 pound's sweets from 3 to 5. Free internet available.

S. R.

Wonderful venue, helpful and friendly staff and incredible produxtions.

C. N.

National theatre is always a joy to visit. Plentiful seating is you want to read, study or work. Lovely bookstore. Restaurants/cafes. And beautifully designed theatres which almost guarantee a good view of the stage no matter what seats you're in. Very comfortable and roomy compared to other London theatres. Can't beat them.

L. H.

Lovely venue poor cafe staff. Been here a number of times for some very special events and concerts, lovely auditorium. Cafe staff need a little nudge in customer liaison skills, too grumpy and brusque for my liking. A take it or leave it attitude is probably more suited to a busy station buffet from the 1950s than at a prestigious London venue like this.

D. B.

A very moving play that did not shy away from showing the predudice rampant on 1980's

S. B.

I love the national theatre. I have been here numerous times. A wide range of varied performances across 3 performance areas. Always very high performance standards often with well known players. Great little simple cafe on the ground floor with plenty of seating in the foyer. Excellent modern European restaurant, with fabulous simple but beautifully made food on the upper floor. Lunch and theatre in the same place, what could be better? Always clean always friendly. Lifts for access across the various levels. AND I like the architecture. Not everyone does but the simplicity of the concrete open plan structure with its wood grain finish lends its self so well to creativity and audience receptiveness. Back stage tours are available and there is a an opportunity to watch the scenery makers at work from an public area accessible on the East side of the theatre. Very interesting.

R.

I had the opportunity to watch Hex and it was absolutely amazing!

C. D.

I always love my trips to the National. The productions are wonderful, and the building itself is a great national theater center.

J. G.

Great venue with some great shows. Visited the Olivier Theatre and the views of the stage were great. As it's realtively modern by London standards there aren't really any bad seats here. The vastness of the space allows you to get a great view and really feel what is happening in front of you. The staff are really friendly and helpful and there is also plenty of things to do whilst waiting for a show to start.

P. P.

Saw my niece perform at this world famous venue. A life highlight.

G. S.

Such a nice place! 😍

C. R.

A great place to experience a range of theatre. Opportunities to get cheaper seats with different schemes. Attracts top performers, companies and theatre makers. Don't think I've ever seen anything 'bad' at the national, though plenty of surprises and great discoveries. Inside the hardly auspicious concrete shell is a place of magic... And some nice roof gardens.

A. L.

Great location, nice environment, great production too (Exit the King)

N. M.

Great selection of performances on offer. Recently seen 'I'm not running'

L. S.

Excellentbproduction currently at the Olivier. Courteous staff. Everything covid aware

M. A.

Alternative theatre. Great view, loved the higher step up seating.

f. b.

Was a lovely venture and play.

J. B.

Great theatre in London. I've seen shows here as well as art installations. Nice place for a quiet drink and I believe WiFi is free. A must-visit in London and often has something good in at least one of the theatres. Recently saw Three Sisters. Also enjoyed Julie, Barbershop Chronicles and Home.

W. B.

A masterclass in brutalist architecture the National Theatre is a splendid venue for high quality and thoughtful performances. The are numerous food options, ranging from the expensive restaurant to the reasonably prices healthier fast food options. Top tip! There are toilets upstairs if you find yourself in a long queue. You may need to walk for a minute but it will be worth it!

C. G.

Went to see under milk Wood fantastic Production really enjoyed it .well organised getting into the theatre

S. S.

Great experience of Opera, Piano, violin etc.

R. T.

The National theatre is a truly lovely building. Always great plays/shows, good café, bars etc and makes for a great meeting place even if you are not seeing anything. The bare concrete has a great sculptural quality and is to be admired even if you are not a fan of brutalist architecture. Staff are always helpful.

K. F.

It was my first time at this venue. Very beautiful interior. Comfortable seating. Can bring food and drink from outside, but not in glass containers. The bar there is very limited with nothing to eat. I went to see Small Island. Sign- posting to the venue could be better as we ended up by taking the scenic route.

M. S.

The national theatre, as a theatre is quite a venue. On the south bank of the Thames, it's easy to find and access and looks great from the exterior. On the interior, it's quite an aesthetic. I can't say much about the plays, as it depends on what you watch, but most are of quite a good quality, some being excellent.

K. E.

Fantastic tour! Visited NT London for a tour and had a wonderful time! Jess, our guide, was enthusiastic, kind, immensely knowledgeable, and gave a phenomenal account of the theatre's work and behind-the-scenes magic! Seeing the workings of the theatre was super, and the chance to see the production of plays as we walked around was great. I'd certainly go again!

D.

Had an amazing time here watching the fabulous Beginning. Sam Troughton was absolutely exceptional. Can't wait to come back again!

J. K.

To me this is one of the most successful examples of concrete construction/architecture not only in this country but far beyond. It is also a very well functioning building giving the visitor a feeling of safety and comfort other similar structures don't. If you have not visited it yet. I suggest you it it in your own list of things to do. You will not be disappointed.

S. C.

One of the cultural highlights of London, known for performing some great important plays old and new. The sets, lighting, atmosphere of any play you choose to see will be amazing. Tickets priced for everyone. The building has wonderful views of the City too.

C. P.

There are two parts to this review. Firstly the building and institution itself was great. All the staff were very friendly and helpful and the cloak room was free and extremely efficient. The second part is the performance itself. We saw War Horse. It was excellent. The puppetry around the horses was amazing and it was very easy to suspend disbelief. Even my very doubting teenagers enjoyed it very much. Go and see anything you can.

L. W.

Bars, cafes, theatre productions in beautiful surroundings, views of the thames... Just go!

R. S.

Lovely atmosphere, a place to go with friends and family

G. L.

Lovely calm and peaceful environment.

z.

I watched War Horse here a few months ago. Oh my goodness it was amazing, the horse’s apparel was great, the actors amazing; exactly like the book! Definitely recommend! During the interval, it gets too busy and there isn’t really anywhere to buy food. Other than that, I loved the show and the National Theatre’s workshops are brilliant! ❤️❤️❤️

R. C.

Amazing theatre, expensive but worth it. High quality theatre with amazing actors and technicians. If ever Jane Eyre is back on here definitely going for a re-watch. However I saw The Three Sisters here, which I wasn't as impressed with, tbh was boring. Their gift shop and cafe are great, if a little pricey (but it's London so 🤷) and there's plenty of places to sit and chat to friends if you're their early. Lovely environment.

E. O.

A mixture of laughter, and sadness, absolutely fabulous I loved it well done 👍

V. V.

A fantastic experience as always. Highly recommended - London's top theatre in my opinion.

L. B.

I have been here many times for different performances. All theatres within this building are made well so each seat can view the stage no matter how far away you sit. Cafes and kitchens inside to offer meals, snacks, and refreshments although rather overpriced. You can however bring your own food and sit in their comfy seating planted throughout the building. A very good theatre venue!

T. R. T.

The perfect theatrical experience! The auditoriums are perfectly designed & beautifully tiered, sound & lighting just right, and I'd say intimate enough to see the action on stage from wherever you sit; the National complex oozes British acting history & it's a pleasure to be entertained here! xxx

N. A.

Beautiful building and a superb theatre venue. Wheel chair accessible as lifts are provided to the various theatres within. Gift shop has interesting and varied items for sale. Always good plays! The place is worth a visit, even just to grab a relaxing coffee.

E. B.

Under Milk Wood -a fantastic entry back into world of theatre.Michael Sheen is amazing

P. I. B.

Wonderful but expensive. I've been attending the National and seen some amazing theatre. Since retiring I go along to watch the matinee on standby. They used to be great value at £15 tickets, but now they are £31! I'm unable to justify paying such an amount on a pension so sadly I can no longer attend.

S. P.

Such a friendly place. We arrived with a school party and everyone was smiling and welcoming. Inside is immaculate and peaceful with plenty of open space. I was expecting carnage in the toilets during the interval but there were plenty of facilities and our two classes were back in seats with plenty of time to spare. The actual theatre is intimate and the seats slightly tiered for better viewing. Only a few children had hindered view from an adult sitting in front.

A. R.

I love the National Theatre, it always feels quite special visiting, despite the fact that it's hardly the most grand of theatre spaces. Fantastic views from the outdoor balconies, worth getting a drink before and heading up there. One point docked for the staff, some of whom are extremely rude. It's a shame, as Theatre is generally such a friendly community, but not so here where some of the staff are very po-faced and unhelpful (some are fantastic though).

J. H.

Fantastic arena - great performances - excellent accessible building. Polite and helpful staff

S. M.

If you have never been you should really take a look. Amazing spaces inside and out.

I. C.

Iconic brutalist architecture. Top notch shows and excellent eateries for all budgets. What's not to like? Supporting this impressive slice of UK culture particularly during this slightly paranoid phase we're going through is highly recommended.

N. “. N.

There working.... Rigging cameras for s book release. Nice theatre..

P. H.

Very impressive. Fantastic concert architecture, very hard and industrial. Beautiful location on the Thames and a lovely place to visit at night. Inside you will find a great little cafe with lots of delicious things to eat and drink. Snacks, sandwiches, salads and more. Fresh, delicious and at a reasonable price. There is a cute little bar. Lots of areas to sit and enjoy your beverages. Handy benches to plug you laptop in and work. Fabulous productions to see. Check out their website fir what’s on. The seats a good sized for theatres

A. R.

Good food in the Terrace Restaurant then an excellent performance of Small Island

S. D.

Rutherford and Son is well presented by NT well worth a look.

M. J.

Amazing venue for unique and interesting plays. Curate a really interesting programme of shows, with a range of theatres for different types of production from intimate art pieces to large international touring shows with star casts. The tour is really worth doing to see behind the scenes and understand the history of the place as well as how the magic makes it to stage.

g. W.

This was my first time at the national after hearing great things. Antony and Cleopatra was excellent and the stage was out of this world. Such clever design and interesting pieces. Highly recommended venue, not cheap but really good! The seats are very comfortable too... expect to have to put your bag in the cloak room if it's bigger than a handbag though

a. h.

Really nice. Nice relaxing atmosphere with friendly staff

D. L.

Absolutely amazing shows. The Olivier theatre in particular is beyond impressive with the revolving stage that stretches over 5 stories underground. Performances are of incredibly high quality, featuring world renown talent and brilliant writers. Also really enjoy the additional exhibitions explaining a bit more about the theatre.

T. N.

Only came here to park and use the lavs but very nice and spacious inside, kind security guards and clean toilets. Only partial negative is the parking location system is a bit confusing. You have no idea that you're supposed to remember your colour area and each area is simply huge. Could do better there!

M. T.

Amazing theatre experience with very friendly and helpful staff ensuring everything runs smoothly during the pandemic.

J. T.

Excellent modern theatres. Good children workshops ( very inspiring), back stage tour was also good, but that is quite depends on the guide you get, but the guy was trying his best. Olivier theatre is very well made so even from the back seats, the stage can be seen very well. Dorfman theatre (a small and flat theatre) is also quite impressive but it is smaller and versatile so seats can be moved depends on the play. The space between seats are a bit narrow for my likings ( very tight). I have never been in Lyttelon theatre so I cannot comment. I like National Theatre more because I always feel it is more accomodating ( than place like Royal Opera House) even totally middle class crowds around. I also like the shop, it is a bit expensive but has a inspiring choice of products. I went to see The ocean at the end of the lane. It is quite scary there was 1 line not very suitable for 9 year old ( sexual contents), but it was excellent and my daughter understood the story more than me, that sounds like a good story telling to me. Good but a bit sad story overall ( not a clear cut happy ending). Effects are excellent, and actors doing all the ghost bad spirits etc was also excellent, the choreography/movement design was excellent. The use of lighting and sound effects also excellent. Very realistic even though I can tell those are done by real human being, still looked beyond that.

S.

Don't let the hideous concrete exterior fool you - magic lives inside.

J. R.

Excellent play. Not keen on the building though

B. L.

Lovely theatre and always great performances what ever you go to see.

W. S.

Lovely accessible theatre. NT usually stages new and thought challenging plays. We knew the outline of First Nation peoples of Australia but this sensitive production of The Secret River was hauntingly beautiful and a painful reminder of our lack of understanding as we dominated the World. Try to book a seat! Beautiful views from the outdoor terracing.

D. M.

Perfect. Just open your cafes please Queuing at the only one open is a pain.

R. P.

I just love this place as a building - brutalism at its best. I saw Follies in the Olivier and with few exceptions it looked like there are no bad seats - depending on the production, seats against the left and right walls may get a slightly restricted view. There are backstage tours (£13 when I did one - good idea to book), which last around 90 minutes. At the time I went, this took in all three theatres (no photos if there is a set), as well as the prop and set workshops, and you get a potted history (by the way, the revolve in the Olivier is huge, and the stage at the Lyttelton can accommodate sets for three productions (we saw the set for Rutherford and Sons being manoeuvred into place ready for the next performance, which was quite something). The place is quite the maze and there are places to eat and drink everywhere. There is a fantastic bookshop on the ground floor selling a huge range of theatre-related books and bits and pieces.

A. F.

This is an absolutely wonderful venue staffed by plenty of friendly, well trained people. The surprisingly beautiful brutalist design has been somewhat tempered by modern “improvements”. The lobby has been extended with glass walls, balconies improved and the overall design tinkered with to make it more accessible and usable. We were in the Olivier Theatre and it really is a brilliant performance space. The acoustics are very good and it’s so well designed that I doubt there is a truly “bad” seat in the house. There are plenty of entrances and easy access to restrooms and refreshments. If you haven’t been to the National, you simply must go.

D. S.

Went to see the NT production of Amadeus and was blown away by the performances. The theatre itself is beautifully designed, spacious and with excellent visibility, even in the cheap seats. The play itself was very enjoyable. The venue as a whole is very pleasant, and the whole South Bank arts area is inspiring!

E. O.

Great venue, very cleverly designed to maximise space and unlike a lot of theatres there was more choice and opportunities for a drink or snack or loo visit during intermission. This avoided the long lines and half time scrum that one usually encounters. There is a good view from all the seating and they show a wide variety of plays, debates etc.

B. A. S.

Great venue, friendly staff, can't complain... "Paradise" was amazing!

A. R.

The NT is part of a complex of buildings on the South Bank of the Thames. It is a great place to spend time in comfort with a coffee and cake, listening to free live music, especially jazz. Nice cafe and shop, some restaurants in case you want a full meal. Lots of paid parking under cover. Very accessible. Great bookstall on the embankment just outside the National Film Theatre.

D. B.

London’s (if not Britain’s) landmark theatre. It’s brutalist design is a break from other classic theatre design. The interior is spacious and while it can be a challenge to navigate on the first trip it is well signposted. Bars, toilets and relaxing amenities are well maintained. Once out on the South Bank there are plenty of fine options for good dining and further drinks. As the National theatre it is always going to be home to well produced and highly regarded shows. Definitely worth a trip at least once while in London.

M. S.

First of all, a lovely interesting building, good foyer spaces to meet up, cafe, roof spaces to sit out on. Great bookshop. The Olivier theatre is my favourite in London, so versatile - a set designer's dream. Quality of productions in all three theatres is extremely high.

M. G.

I went to see 'War Horse ' for the second time with my son and 2 friends. It was a lovely evening. The theatre was fully packed and it was an enjoyable evening. National Theatre is a lovely venue and is very accessible to members of the public who use a wheel chair .

A. R.

Great place for lunch with fantastic views......if not a little pricy but hey it's London

P. F.

The theatre complex is an exceptionally good collection of three theatres with eating and drinking facilities included. I visited the Lyttelton Theatre to see War Horse and was completely happy and impressed with the modern theatre layout - very good, comfortable seating with extremely good, uninterrupted views of the stage. The environment was excellent - neither too hot not, too cool. The production was excellent and warranted the standing ovation from the entire audience on the final performance prior to starting On Tour. We chose to eat, before the show, in The Kitchen which offers a range of good value, freshly prepared food and quick service in a self-service, cafeteria-style setting. I recommend this food outlet. If I have a criticism of the venue, it is only that the entrance to the car park is not entirely obvious, at night. The Car Park sign is obvious but, the actual entrance is a little less-than-obvious (perhaps a car parked in the access road did not help!). However, once inside the car park, there are ample parking spaces and, access to the foyer is available by a short flight of steps or, via one of the lifts. Car Parking rates are very reasonable i.e. after 5.00pm until midnight £8.00. I highly recommend this venue and, I shall certainly be returning.

J. M. R.

A gorgeous place with the most friendly and helpful staff. I felt very welcome here and enjoyed the building and the play very much. The Olivier Theatre is a terrific auditorium: excellent views, even from cheap seat and clear acoustics. Very much recommended. I will be back.

K. D.

Amazing theatre! I went to see Anthony and Cleopatra and thought the performance was outstanding. I used the parking garage easily and managed to get my parking validated so I didn’t have to pay any extra. The staff were friendly and helpful to find my seat. I would definable come here again!

A. A.

Went to see The Follies in the Olivier Theatre. The space itself is fantastic - large but intimate and with comfortable seating. There are good restaurants and bars for pre-theatre refreshments. We had dinner at House restaurant, where the food and service were excellent. The show itself was of the very highest quality, as you'd expect from the National.

H. G.

The Olivier Theatre is very large and very grand in a 1950s style. However it still seems quite contemporary. The seating is comfortable and well spaced and the acoustics are excellent. We saw Small Island at a Wednesday matinee performance and the theatre was packed. The performance was outstanding and the staging was innovative and stunning - the props almost seemed like actors at times! So, if it was all so good, why not five stars? I really regret saying that the attitude of a number of the front of house staff was quite brusque and unhelpful, almost to the point of rudeness on a couple of occasions.

S. G.

Saw Small Island and the production was fabulous, a tribute to the late author. I had a fantastic seat, 3 rows from the front, for a really good price. Great to see great quality, diverse theatre being kept accessible & affordable.

S. W.

Great little wine bar outside serving some English wine! The kitchen is really not good limited eats, not well cooked. But lots of space for sitting and chatting. The Plays are a mixed bag, some excellent like Lehman Brothers, others dated (Top Girls and Rutherford and son)

T. C.

Amazing theatre with three different stages providing a multitude of award winning plays and performances. Went to see Julie, incredibly intense play with stellar performances and a jaw dropping set design. Good selection of bars and cafés to grab a drink or a quick bite.

L. G.

Situated on the South bank wait reasonable priced parking. A good vibrant place to meet up and eat. Good comfortable seats. There also good size waiting area with a bar. the theatre (Olivier) has good size stage

S. C. A.

The venue is amazing but I can't say the same for the staff. The play had amazing actors who delivered a sterling performance. Nonetheless the lady who checks the tickets in the entrance of the doors for (I believe it was doors 4-6) was unnecessarily rude when by mistake we took left instead of right. This was the beginning of the evening which impacted the rest of it. Nonetheless the play covered for the lack of manners of the staff.

M. R.

The Olivier Theatre is a superb venue with good leg-room, fairly comfortable wide seats and a good rake too. Having extremely good scenery and staging was most enjoyable. My slight criticism is to do with hearing the dialogue when the actors were turned away from the side I was sitting. I use hearing aids and switched them to the loop but that was still insufficiently good enough.

L. E.

Such a friendly and amazing place! It may not look like much on the outside but the inside is beautiful! Feels luxurious but traditional, with dark woods and deep coloured furnishing. Plenty of places to eat and have a drink, as well as a book and entertainment (CD and DVD) shop. Multiple stages/auditoriums with easy access via stairs or lift. I had the privilege of a Backstage tour too which was amazing! It is soo huge, there is even a 'street' to connect all the backdate departments! To get to the theatre, I used the Waterloo tube station and walked about 10mins to the theatre which is right next to the river Thames. I think there is a car park, but the traffic was crazy! Definitely recommend visiting this place :)

S. Z.

The seats are not roomy, but every seat has a pretty good view of the set, which is nice. A bit big though, so I usually try to arrive with enough time to go to the specific theatre within the building.

W. R.

Fantastic place to visit and unlike any other London theatre that I've been too. Few places to eat inside but a lot of restaurants outside if you want some food. The National Theatre bookshop is well worth a visit.

P. J.

My favourite theatre by miles. They put on consistently good plays, attract some big names, have great sets, plenty of space so you never feel crowded, you get a great view wherever you sit and, best of all, you ALWAYS have plenty of legroom. Only criticism would be that the decor is dated.

R.

Beautiful theatre location. The building itself is amazing and you can walk around and explore before the show. Lovely to have a drink and look at the South Bank in the intermission. Great main theatre with good views and you feel really close to the stage.

P. B.

One of the cultural highlights of London, known for performing some great important plays old and new. The sets, lighting, atmosphere of any play you choose to see will be amazing. Tickets priced for everyone. The building has wonderful views of the City too.

J. O.

It is a very grand place to watch theatre shows. The cost is affordable and can be purchased online or in the box office.There is an espresso bar, and a restaurant downstairs to unwind, and you can sit outside for some fresh air. On a hot summer's day, going to this theatre is just right as it is next to the river Thames pier.

C. L.

The most pleasant theater in London. Reasonable price tickets and well designed so every seat in the house has a clear view. Wish the rest of the west end was as nice. Also. Love the concrete.

D. I.

Love it because of #inclusivity! There are very few places in London where you can just show up before the play and get a ticket at a reasonable price. The culture and South Bank does not get better than this and the selection of dinning places and bars is getting better all the time. Waterloo station provides amazing connectivity beyond the London boundaries.

V.

Very nice theatre. I have been there a lot of times.

I. J.

Well known theatre and we'll laid out seating, without restricted views. Excellent choice of plays and price range to suit all budgets. Few minutes walk to Waterloo station.

G. M. K.

We went to see the Octoroon in the National Theatre. The play was superb! The issues of race, colour, status, slavery were presented in the most interesting way which enabled everyone to feel comfortable with their own race, colour, history etc. The auditorium is great and wherever your sits are, you have a great view. I really enjoyed the venue and the play.

P. T.

The concrete jungle stands out on the south bank as an eye-sore which otherwise is a great stretch of river. Tourism is rife here which is great for enjoying a hotdogs, ice cream and burgers on the Thames front if you have deep pockets. The theatre itself is a great venue so feel bad for giving just 3 stars but as a location to enjoy a meal and a drink it is overcrowded and chaotic which detracts from the scenery. I certainly recommend the theatre productions in any case. Just too touristy for me on the outside and too 70s for architecture lovers like me.

T. H.

From the outside it's a concrete monstrosity as are the Festival Hall etc its neighbours. However inside it's clean with a good bar, staff and most important, comfortable good sized seats with more than adequate leg room. The one downside of visiting is that there are no decent pubs nearby. The few poor bars along the river here are always packed.

W. R. (.

This is my favourite theatre. The views are great for all seats, and the productions are always of a good standard. If you book early they offer good discounts, and if you come by on the morning of the show you an pick-up a good discount if there are any leftover tickets.

T. A.

An impressive building in post-modern brutalist style. The theatre has a range of productions for you to see year round. In the summer months its good to buy a drink and sit on one of the many terraces overlooking the river.

P. D.

This time we only visited the small restaurant on the ground floor but we always choose to eat there because it's quiet. No piped music and diners are left alone to sit as long as they need to sit. A perfect place for either a meal or simply a coffee

M. D. A.

Very nice place to stay and have refresments. Although you can read book or spend social time you can find as well place to stay for short business meetings. I think they should improve the meal options. I did not order for about two months there but last time i though they could do best on cooking. My personal review.

C.

What a fantastic venue. I was there to see Hadestown with my fiance. The production was the most incredible thing either of us had ever seen on stage. The actors were all phenomenal and brought emotion and pain and longing to all of the songs. The music was powerful and well done on stage. The lighting and most importantly the stage itself were unlike anything we'd ever seen and I can't stop listening to the soundtrack and recommending the show to everyone I know. It is a must see!

M. B.

Absolutely love coming here! Come all the way from Miami to find my inspiration... to fall in love with theatre all over again... a big thank you to all the artists that make every visit such intellectually and emotionally stimulating experience! Bravo!

P. T.

I love this place, from being a place to get food, a coffee and work or relax. To a place to watch amazing performances. It should almost be called National TheatreS because there are several performances spaces within it. And don't forget to go on the roof during the day

Y. M.

A visit to the Southbank is like a trip to the 60's! In a good way! That sort of haphazard architecture of grey concrete, seems to come alive. People everywhere milling around enjoying all there is to offer, in a cerebral and entertaining way. Saw Small Island - another amazing production - and loved it. Sitting by the Thames on a sunny evening - highly recommended. The theatre was packed, but the seating is good and it didn't feel cramped. A wonderful experience!

I. V.

Went to Hadestown with friends. Great production, nicely done, very engaging and quite deep themes are explored in it. Venue is nice, you can see the stage well from any seat. The only thing there was no staff inside the room to show the seats and mine were not that straightforward to find, there are mini levels on aisle 5 (imagine, same goes for 1) with additional side stairs.

B. H.

Wonderful place. Needs to be nurtured as a place for theatre.

H.

I went to NT for the first time with my sister, all the previous times I've only gone to see the shops or use their toilet facilities. We sat in the stall at the edge (for Lehman Brothers) and the actors, the show, sound system, and staging set up were all phenomenon. I highly recommend this theatre.

L. P.

We have watched, last time "The curious incident of the dog in the night-time" which is actually one of my favorite. Truly original! National Theatre offers affordable tickets starting from £10 to selected plays which is great way to attract more audience! I have spent lots of time here in my youth and would recommend highly to visit and enjoy what this Theatre have to offer.

C. N.

Excellent venue and great show (watched Antony and Cleopatra- what a diverse cast!!) Interval refreshments were lacklusture and majority of clientele is overall extremely pretentious middle-upper class whites without a firm grip on reality. Other than that had a good time.

M. A.

I saw Follies at this venue & was truly mesmerised. A theatrical best - everyone should go and see it. It was my first time at the National Theatre - Oliver Theatre. I had a fantastic view & my seat was comfortable with plenty of leg room.

J. L.

A Small Island is a phenomenal play, very moving, funny, well acted, brilliant production. Should be compulsory viewing for hundreds of todays public--what happened then, hasn't gone away, shamefully, but how well Andrea Levy wrote about it. We tried the Smart Caption glasses, which with a bit longer beforehand to master them, would have been perfect. Totally brilliant technology, needs tweaking & adapting to, but definitely try them again. Having said that, the loop system has been overhauled in the Olivier theatre , & that, tried in second half, was also very good. Love the NT atmosphere, always have, feel lucky to have such a gem! Looking forward to going again.

S. A. G.

Saw Pinnochio last night - excellent show, very unique concept - talented cast & amazing puppets. Loved the theatre itself which is very different to the traditional London theatres. Seats were comfy with good leg room. Walked over the Jubilee Bridge from Embankment to get there which gives a different view of London & the river - especially with all the lights. A really good & different theatre experience - will definitely be looking out for more productions to see at the NT!!

S. C.

Went to see Anthony and Cleopatra and sadly arrived 15 minutes late but the staff were so nice and explained they could get us in at the scene change. The bar had a quick service though I would recommend downloading the App so you can order drinks before and just collect. A great place to visit.

M. K.

Just watched the Follies in Olivier Theatre. Great show and very good seats for a fraction of the price one would pay in the West end. Small theatre so any seat has great view to the stage

T. C. D. P.

I love this place! Nice, cozy, has an amazing bookshop that you can just grab plays from have a read and put them back, the theatre is also amazing. A nice place to both to see a play and to spend a nice day at a cozy environment.

J. H.

Thank goodness there are still a few oases of sanity left. My only regret is that they have started imposing charges for parking motorbikes. There was always plenty of room for then when it was free, and I expect most just park elsewhere now.

J. M.

The Dorfman Theatre is a nicely intimate space, the staff are lovely. Only small rankle is a lack of places to sit in the foyer before a show, but that's not too important given how good the rear of the experience is.

S. T. T.

No queues to collect tickets. Brilliant stage. We saw Macbeth and view was fantastic. It didn't seem like there would bea problem wherever you sat. Sweets were ridiculously expensive as you would imagine so bring your own if going with children.

D. H.

One of the gems of world Theatre and has a justifiable reputation for being at the pinnacle of the art. International stars appear on the stage and the shows are broadcast internationally. Performances frequently sell out for weeks on end, though they do retain a number of seat to sell on the day. There are several auditoriums on the site and they often do shows in other theatres too. Also has a very nice cafe (where you can sometimes spot the stars of the shows) and an extremely good theatre bookshop. One of the places that I always head for when I am in London.

D. A.

Saw Antony and Cleopatra. Olivier theatre. My seat was at the very back. The seat was comfortable. The view was uninterrupted. I could hear every word of a stunning performance. In other ways the venue was great. The toilets were clean and uncrowded. I left my coat and bag in a very efficiently run free cloakroom. The water was 10p cheaper than at the Barbican. A great afternoon out.

O. V.

The National Theatre is one of the most famous theatres in London, and comes complete with 3 individual theatres composing it. Plays are regularly shown here ranging from aboriginal history to music concerts. Well worth the trip to see and experience.

E. M.

Truly enjoyed my evening at the national. Amazing performance by Bryan Cranston in Network and amazing amenities in the building. Clean and orderly toilets, good restaurant and access to bar with multiple performances on each night in the different Theatres. Wonderful night out.

C. G.

Production itself was excellent. Helped by fact we splashed out on good seats so had a great view. Lyttleton auditorium a great space - airy and comfortable and imagine views pretty good wherever you sit. We ate in the terrace restaurant before the performance. It's well worth ringing in advance and requesting a window seat as views are great. Very good service and food ideal for pre-show dinner; not too heavy but a variety of interesting dishes. Also like that there's a good range of wines by the glass. As with most theatres there was a massive queue for the ladies. Hint - the toilets on the first floor tend to be less busy!

R. H.

Sat outside onn the roof garden, really pleasant place for a drink, plus a great view

E. W.

Watched Follies in the Olivier Theatre. Duration 2hrs 15 mins no interval. Sat in Circle Row E. Plenty leg room. Great view of stage. There's such a buzz at the National. I love writing here, watching people walk by. The view at night is awesome towards St Paul's. Friendly team. Expect bags to be checked.

P. B.

This has to be the best theatre in the UK. With three innovative stages, a brutalist masterpiece in terms of architecture, an always rolling programme of some of the best plays with excellent casts and direction and tickets for £15 (£7.50 for young people with entry pass), it has to be a strong argument for government investment in the arts. I cannot recommend the plays enough but it also features great front of house features including several bars (including the huge and very good Understudy) and a great restaurant. Makes me proud to live in London.

G. R.

Excellent set of theatre spaces showing a great mixture of events. I particularly love the Olivier Theatre and have seen some wonderful theatrical performances - most recently Amadeus (Jan 2018) which was just amazing

M. R.

The National Theatre is a beautiful building, with spacious and well-designed shared areas and, of course, outstanding performance spaces. It's modern, but this doesn't take away the feeling that it's an important place, right at the heart of British theatre today.

G. F.

Wonderful environment to work, collaborate, or just chat before a show! Staff are warm and friendly and there is a beautiful terrace overlooking the Thames. The book shop of plays is also fantastic and has a great range from classics to contemporary

R. J.

My first time in National Theatre and it was memorable. I went to see Amadeus and it was an amazing play! Would definitely recommend for everybody and try to get your tickets via Friday Rush, 20£ for a play. We also dined there but next time would rather have dinner somewhere else.

T. G.

The National Theatre is located on the south bank of the Thames River -- there is a river walk along the south bank. Currently, there is construction around the site and getting there by auto might experience delays. The NT has several performance auditoriums and can offer several productions concurrently. The physical layout and acoustics of the auditoriums is very nice. I saw Anthony and Cleopatra -- excellent.

M. K.

Don't pay any attention to the commentators who have said that the National Theatre building is ugly. Forgive them Lord for they know not what they are talking about! The external form has great integrity and internally the building is a miracle of the imagination. Any flash of colour with the backdrop of the concrete is thrown into dramatic contrast. The dark carpets maintain the cosy feel and the spaces link vertically, diagonally and horizontally sparking the need to explore and feelings of curiosity. I love the place!

D. H.

Architecturally brutal, from an era when you wonder what the planning authorities were smoking in work hours. However, very spacious inside, good quality on site restaurants (especially "Home" IIRC) and most importantly of course some great productions. Pricey but otherwise unpretentious and egalitarian audience. Not the easiest to access from public transport, but don't let it put you off!

T. A.

There is a lot to enjoy about the national they're apart from performing arts. The building is a monumental architectural statement both inside and out. If your a buildings buff, then be sure to add this to your map of sites to see in London. There is also a fairly extensive foodie hub here, sit down, take away, hot and cold, and it's pretty tasty. The theatre also runs free activities and events for children and families, so it definitely worth checking out their program and heading on down as part of your family day out

R. R.

I'd give 6 stars if it was possible. The theatre itself it's impressive, doesn't matter where you sit you have a great view. Small Island it's a must and the food at The Terrace was amazing.

N. L.

A great big concrete monstrosity but the bars and shops are good and the auditoriums are wonderful, especially compared to the West End. Just think, when they built it concrete was trendy, then for a decade or two it wasn't, now it is again. I've decided I like it after all. Fashion victim.

Z. G.

I love every bit of this place. The variety of shows they put on is brilliant, the coffee shops and bars are welcoming and friendly and the gift shop could easily bankrupt me! I've done one backstage tour and learned so much about the world of a large professional theatre. Well worth a visit.

F.

Stumbled upon the National Theatre when I was looking for parking for a boat trip near Southbank...a family member was injured and couldnt take public transport...The National Theatre is a great place to park! Easy to find and only £11 for the whole day Saturday. I prepaid using Horizon Parking, much cheaper compared to other local parking and right next to Southbank!😊. I was waiting for friends so decided to have a cup of tea a scone with cream and jam 😋. It was a lovely cafe called "Kitchen". Nice friendly staff. Only a bit of concern about what I found at the bottom of my cup of tea! 😣 Im hoping its just very small tea leaves? Didnt want to know if it wasnt... I sat looking out over the Southbank through large glass walls, 'people watching' with all the street performers. The weather was glorious but that was just a bonus. I Had a chance to talk with box office staff and find out about at the new performances on stage and how to purchase cheaper tickets. Later took a strole along the Southbank, so much to see. Lots of other cafes and restaurants as well as some street food and the entertaining street performers. We sat watching the boats travelling up and down the Thames eating ice cream. Prices were not too bad for the area but I also saw people with children and packed sandwiched. I was born in London and we tend to be so busy working, it was nice to see why tourists return time and again to places like Southbank. A great day out!

r. s.

My favorite theatre in London. Never a bad seat and the productions are second to none. They'll only let you take a small-ish bag into the auditorium, but the cloakrooms are free so that's fine. Worth getting an annual membership of you plan on going 4+ times a year...

A. B.

Really good structure with 3 different theatres within the same building. Acoustics and seats are really good and even the most compromised seats guarantee a great experience. Went to see Antony and Cleopatra and it was spectacular

A. G.

Great clear views of stage from all areas. Comfortable tiered seats, modern (though plain) theatre building. Always many interesting plays.

A. M.

Fantastic venue, conveniently located close to Waterloo station. The acoustics were impressive and I enjoyed the evening. Plenty of restaurants and bars close by too.

S. d. c.

I love the National Theatre. The ambience, the range of shows, the restaurants, the cafe's; it's just a wonderful place to go. We will often go there when we're out and about in London just to sit and have a drink and enjoy watching people go by.

K. C.

I have come here twice in the past month for some theatre shows. Both times, they have been in the Olivier theatre which I really like. Although it is a bit outdated and the seats could do with changing, the layout is perfect. It is almost like a semi circle with each row staggered so no heads blocking your view of the stage. Space wise, I have ample space for my legs and armrests are spacious. It is also pretty easy to navigate your way around the national theatre. There is a large cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the second so its perfect for a dinner+theatre trip. No doubt I'll be back for more theatre shows.

S. H.

I love the National Theatre, there's not a bad seat in the Olivier Theatre and seats are pretty comfy. We used the Friday Rush deals, which are amazing value, to see Anthony and Cleopatra. We enjoyed the show but felt the last half hour really dragged. Pre-ordering drinks via the app made the interval much more relaxing but, as always, there weren't badly enough ladies loos so the queue was horrendous.

B. B.

The national weren't there but it was nice

M. L.

Situated in London with a lovely tapas Latin restaurant above them. We ate first then saw the play "Follies". Packed audience that night for a delightful, funny and nostalgic play. Great actors and could they sing.

G. S.

I love this place, from the outside architecture to the inside theatres. For the fact you can come here to watch any sort of shows as to relaxing reading or studying, or as a quite noise free evening with friends at the bars and restaurants inside. And oh!!! The view it's great too!,!

B. D.

The refurbishment of the theatre has been done really well. Lovely new shop and cafe as well as the outisde seating and the seating up on the balcony. Even if you're not seeing a play, still a nice place to grabs drink and relax for a bit if you're down on the southbank.

B. G.

Every production is a complete gem. Among the plays we saw are War Horse, The Three Penny Opera, the Barbershop Chronicles and most recently Amadeus, and we were truly blown away by the superb quality of acting and production; a masterclass for anyone interested in theatre. Outside the plays we love to seek shelter in the foyer, an oasis of tranquility in this busy part of the city.

A. V.

I have not lived every show I have seen here, though probably the majority of them... And regardles you never leave empty handed - I always take something with me! Such and inspiring powerhouse of performing arts!

N. F.

Visited the Olivier Theatre to see Follies. Ticket collection was easy and the queue moved quickly. Do recommend allow 30mins so you don't fret! The production of Follies was fantastic. Sound great and cast exceptional

J. W.

The National is a great theatre, wherever you sit you have a great view. Doesn't make sense to pay out for an expensive ticket, you have a great view wherever you sit. Nice modern, relaxed feel. Worth a visit.

G. B.

Get a drink and go to third floor for views of river. Maybe wait until theatre productions have started as very busy otherwise. Gift shop has unique gifts and books. And lots of concrete with the occasional Apple laptop.

D.

Disclaimer: I came here for a photoshoot and did not see the actual attractions. BUT it is a Great place for a photoshoot! There is no flash photography, but if you time it right, the natural lighting that the inside of the building gets is more than perfect!

L. E.

My favorite theatre in London!

A. S.

The bar here is a great alternative to the often crowded local pubs. Lots of seats indoors and outdoors and reasonably priced drinks too. You don't have to see a show to drink here.

L. F.

Great acoustics and seating. Lots of room. Easy to get tickets online. Easy to get to and close to all the tourist attractions if you so desire. Take time to walk the Thames and visit the book market!

A. M.

Good space, outdoor area which allows smoking, large theatre which has good views of stage from all angles. Only a couple of people serving at bar which seemed inadequate but orderly queue so that felt fair.

v. g.

Always good value, terrific acting. Sadly you need to pay for priority membership to get good seats for most popular plays and the scramble online when booking opens is enough to give anyone a heart attack.

M. D.

Always something on that's worth seeing, and an excellent youth education programme is just one way in which the NT is making the arts accessible to as many people as possible. There's also good wheelchair access, and allocated wheelchair spaces within the theatres. Food options are still very limited for those with allergies, but that's a minor issue with all the other options for eating out in the area.

P. J.

Interesting place with a variety of outside cafes, bars and others. They are have special guest shows going on just outside as part of its free River Stage Festival with today 30th July 17 being "The Glory". Plus as usual just outside some good quality street entertainers

L. O.

Loved the tour. Didn't actually watch a show but got to meet some stars accidently. The food trucks out front are amazing. I still dream about the scotch egg

J. D.

Always quality, high standard productions with simply excellent actors, direction, stage crew etc etc. Variety of programmes is amazing. Lovely atmosphere in a building that 'knows' the business.

S. H.

A place for the artists, the theater building along with it's adjacent area really live up to the expectations. There is a nice little walkway with comfortable sittings overlooking the thames. There is also a few bars and restaurants in the premise, which usually remains crowded with chic customers.

C. Q.

We went to see the barbershop chronicles. Great play, with a great intro, story arch, the climax! Omg the climax and the ending was sublime. The theatre seems to be constituted by smaller theatres which is good and it is fun to try to find them in this 60s brutalist building. The cloakroom is free, and that my friend is better than Christmas morning. Try to find the free tour from the suspended walkway. Also great staff (my friend is working there)

S. R.

Inspiring place to watch theatre in an eclectic decor.

T. M.

It's a building that needs to be redesigned. The exterior is grim now that the stonework has weathered and the interior is OK but lacks warmth and cohesion. My visit included a performance in the Lytleton theatre of Warhorse, which I didn't enjoy as it was noisy and pointless. The plot was awful and although, I suppose, the staging and puppetry was clever, overall I would have been happier climbing the Shard.

R. T.

Stunning location for London's performing arts. Three adjoining, although contrasting, theatres are used to present new productions of both classic and modern plays. Ideal setting by the river Thames, views by night from the upper-floor balconies overlooking the river are outstanding.

J. H.

Went to see "Network" starring Bryan Cranston. Loved that picking the tickets up from the box office took mere minutes despite there being a long queue - very well organised. Staff are amazingly polite and the theatre itself was very clean and bright (before the show obviously). Plenty of leg room in the seats so didn't feel squished at all, and the whole thing has a very intimate feel to it. Loved every second. Can't comment on food or drink, but my experience was fantastic.

J. E.

Love this place! I've only been to the Lyttelton and the Olivier, but they are both great. The Lyttelton especially, it doesn't matter at all where you are sitting, every seat is great, spacious and has a good view of the stage. The performances are hit or miss, I've seen both great and bad plays there. Still this is my favourite theatre in London.

A. S.

Great show Hex. Aweful building

J.

Regular visitor to this theatre space. Convenient and fully accessible location on South Bank. Three theatres, with variety of eating options as well as licenced bars. Also 'behind scenes tour'. Programme includes contemporary and more traditional theatrr with a variety of ticket prices including a few sold on the day. Check website for details and enjoy!

A. A.

Lovely to be back in the theatre, very well organised with attentive staff on hand to help.

R. Y.

Saw The Lehman Trilogy at the Lyttleton. The seats were comfortable. The snacks and drinks were discretely sold and not right up in your face. There aren't enough toilet facilities. The architecture is 1960s concrete which I like. Maybe they went to the loo less then?

J. R.

At its best, the National Theatre is the centre of London's theatre, staging some of the most brilliant performance work you'll see anywhere on the planet from New writing to musical revivals. Food is good here, for all budgets and there's a super book/gift shop. If a show is sold out you can usually q successfully for returns and/or day tickets and staff are helpful and informed BUT the gents' loo is a disgrace (albeit, in an effort to quite rightly meet the needs at last of the female theatre goer) and more importantly, the current artistic directorial team can stage some real TRASH - I mean total crud. You can take a risk on new writing - many of the shows are breathtakingly brilliant, but I've been to see 2/3 truly awful things here in the last 12months, so read a review or 2 online 1st. It's also a real shame that the pursuit of new writing means classic theatre is too rarely staged here. These days, you won't get much Ibsen , Moliere, Brecht or Arthur Miller. That's a shame. Choose wisely and you'll see something astonishing and very memorable. Warning,:a trend in current UK theatre is to stage shows WITHOUT an interval. Check before you go and make sure you use the loos before the start: if there's no interval, that's going to be an uncomfortable 2 hours!

s. s.

Fabulous show at The Dorfman. I would just say though that the soundproofing needs to be improved as we could hear people outside drinking and laughing in the street! The theatre was brilliant though, you're very close to the stage at The Dorfman and can see every expression of the actors.

M. C.

NT is well situated by the river is part of the riverside tourist attractions. The building is not to my taste but is interesting to those who like concrete structures. Inside the facilities are excellent and the auditorium was comfortable.

V. M.

We saw the play 'Tartuffe', at matinee on a Wednesday, which we greatly enjoyed. It was upto National Theatre standard. After the play we had some Tea and scones at the NT cafe called 'The Kitchen' and all that was good quality combined with friendly service.

A. S.

A place to visit and have selective delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian meals. Nice and trendy crowds and plenty of indoor and outdoor seats. Excellent for coffees and snacks. Try the wonderful backed glazed aubergine dish.

H. G.

Really well organized venue, lovely river views. Comfy seats, the play was excellent and we got free performance notes rather than paying for a flashy programme.

E. M.

The first time l've seen anything performed at the Olivier - what a fantastic space - and a truly inspired set for a wonderful play, 'Translations'. So interesting to have the acting space just a small island surrounded by 'landscape'. I was completely overwhelmed by the experience. Thank you.

J. R.

There are always a variety of performances available to see over 3 separate stages at reasonable prices. Different plays come ever 3-4 months, a variety of revivals of excellent established works and cutting edge productions from new writers. I have seen numerous shows here which have gone on to the west end and international success.

T. H.

We have visited the NT many times over the years. Many outstanding production have been performed here with some if the finest actors in the world. It is light and spacious and very pleasant to spend time at the NT complex with many bars, cafes and restaurants in main building or nearby. There is ample parking or easy access to public transport. The Royal National Theatre in London, commonly known as the National Theatre (NT) is one of the United Kingdom's three most prominent publicly funded performing arts venues, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House. Internationally, it is known as the National Theatre of Great Britain. From its foundation in 1963 until 1976, the company was based at the Old Vic theatre in Waterloo. The current building is located next to the Thames in the South Bank area of central London. Well worth a visit. Highly recommend.

T. M.

Love the architecture, and easy enough to get to by public transport. The play I saw (Translations) was exceptional and great to watch, I would definitely recommend any production here.

C. E.

I may not always love the productions but the real duds are rare and the best are frequent and glorious. I love brutalist concrete architecture and its sightlines in the theatres are almost all good or great (less so I'm the Dorfman, some seats there, for particular layouts they seem to choose too often to my mind, are poor). Actually, the views from it, and to it are great too. Food and drink options are OK but not cheap, shop is dangerously good!

R. H.

Maybe not as elegant as the Victorian West End theatres, but is more audience friendly. Seats are more comfortable, even the cheapest seats have excellent, unobstructed views, comfortable & uncrowded bar areas & best of all the prices are very reasonable.

P. O.

The National is a wonderful place to take in a show. Most everything I have seen here has been excellent!! I make a point of seeing something playing here every time I come to London. I know there will be something worth watching every time!

R. S.

Lovely building and friendly staff. The three stages all have different charms and there's a smorgasbord of plays on at all times. Network is very good and Barbershop Chronicles has a certain charm about it. There are a lot of courses and outreach programs too.

V. V.

Not everything is a triumphant masterpiece, but Rufus is doing brilliantly and there have been more stunningly good shows in the last few years than I can count. Great to hang out in with the new bars and eateries too. Comfy and cosy inside, lively on the terraces.

S. S.

There are many great theatres in London. But no doubt NT is the best of all. It has a bar with food and drinks and also a shop to buy soveniers if you are visiting. Apart from the the building it self the surrounding area is also amazing for a walk, especially in the evening

N. M.

Wuthering Heights, not to be missed!

Z. M.

Don't let the cold architecture fool you, the people inside are warm and friendly. Theatrical programming is varied to cater to a wide audience: shows for kids, edgy shows, revivals of classics and favourites, even shows for people who don't think they like theatre. The price bands are wide too so a night out doesn't have to break the bank. There are a number of places inside to get food and drinks from a snack to fine dining. There is also a lovely book / souvenir shop. Inside there are three different stages: the Olivier is modelled after the ancient amphitheatres and every seat is a good seat; the Lyttleton is a traditional proscenium (where the stage looks like a box within a frame) and central seats are best but the slips (at balcony level running along the side walls) can be excellent value; the Dorfman (formerly Cottesloe) is a black box so it can be configured completely differently for each show. There are cloakrooms on site and all the theatres are wheelchair accessible. You might want to leave the extra large rucksack at home as large bags have to be checked and security is similar to other theatres. I believe there is a parking garage on site but I usually arrive by tube as Waterloo and Embankment stations are short walks away.

N. K.

Came here for a tea and a snack. Great place if you want to just eat/drink while surfing on the WiFi. Service in the Expresso Bar was efficient but impersonal - staff were having a good laugh between themselves without paying too much attention to customers but they delivered the drinks quickly which was what I really wanted.

E. D.

Saw a matinee performance of 'Stories' at the Dorfman Theatre. Theatre space smaller than some but that gave it a good atmosphere - performed in the round. Claudie Blakley and Sam Troughton were excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon - would do it again.

T. K.

Lots of seats in the breakout areas on level 1 and 2. The venue puts on a range of plays and the occasional musical. Note there is very little space inside the Theatre between seats. You must check in all bags and rucksacks into the free cloakroom

A. K.

I went to see a Shakespeare play (King Lear) yesterday and thought the theatre (Olivier) was very comfortable and had good acoustics. I enjoyed the play and felt lucky to have obtained cheap, young persons tickets. I think it's brilliant how the theatre is making plays accessible to young people and ensuring that money is not a barrier!

S. D.

Great for seeing new plays, just got back from seeing The Light Princess which was amazing, never seen anything like it, she floated round the stage and everything. There is a nice coffee shop which sold me a cheese and ham baguette and a piece of millionaire shortbread. Overall, a good day

K. B.

Just watched Hades Town and it was incredible!!!!!!! The cast were all amazing, each and every actor, actress, singer, dancers, musicians and the team of lights and music. Great job and a fantastic venue!

W. C.

Superb theatre with world class productions

K. G.

I went on a backstage tour of the National Theatre in November last year and had an excellent time. It was a fascinating insight into just how much effort goes into every performance - we saw how the sets are stored and how the costumes and wigs are handmade. Everyone we met along the way was extremely friendly, courteous and obviously passionate about what they were doing. It was very inspiring. I ended up going to watch 'The Magistrate' after getting a sneak peek during a practice and it was excellent - such a beautiful set design for that one!

P. T.

A major theatre complex offering 3 theatres with supporting facilities overlooking River Thames in central London. Open all day as well as at performance times. Brutalitist architecture but good inside. Offers world class performances.

C. v. d. W.

Good place to hang out or just chill when milling around at the South Bank. It's warm, the WiFi is speedy and there is enough seating to do some work or meet up with friends. Also the coffee from the indoor coffee place is pretty good with a nice variety of sweet and savoury bites to choose from.

D. R.

Beautiful building and a superb theatre venue. Wheel chair accessible as lifts are provided to the various theatres within. Gift shop has interesting and varied items for sale.

J. F.

Great service by the staff, theater looks and sounds great. There's a free cloak room to put away your bags. Plenty of bathrooms. The seats however were quite uncomfortable for quite a tall person.

D. M.

This is the venue that gave me a lifelong love of theatre. I have been so many times over the years, and have never seen a dud production of anything. The Olivier is my preferred auditorium, although the Lyttleton too is a prerty good performance space. Most recently I saw The Lehman Trilogy in there, which was beyond excellent. I recommend not sitting in the circle of either though, as the sightlines are too easily ruined by people who lean forward in the front row, requiring everyone else to follow suit if they still wish to see.

M. D. P.

Went to go see Pinocchio last night and it was phenomenal. We were row B right in the middle at £15 a ticket we were spoilt! Only 4 stars as the first few rows are very compact and not the most comfortable

f.

Although 70s Architecture, I love this theatre. It has lots of bars, toilets, good reasonable food, free water, comfy seats and terraces with a view of the river skyline.

M. C.

Beautiful place, clean, comfortable and cosy. Sadly warm non alcoholic drinks selection are not the best ones. Toilets were extremely dirty before the play started so maybe they weren't cleaned during the whole day.

J. A.

Situated on the South Bank by Waterloo Bridge, the National Theatre is a 1970s concrete building containing three separate stages. The largest is named after one of our most famous actors, Laurence Olivier, and is capable of a great number of different configurations, with a large semicircle of seating (great views from all seats). The second, the Lyttelton, has more of a standard look with two levels of straight rows of seating. The small Dorfman stage was recently remodelled and I have yet to visit it. The National produces a wide variety of plays from the last 2000 years or so and uses the talents of many great actors. There are several bars and a restaurant inside the building, and a shop with related books, DVDs, etc. The box office is located just inside the main entrance and ticket prices are generally slightly lower than at West End theatres. A certain amount of inside seating is available in the public areas and also outside whenever the weather cooperates.

C. K. -. B.

This is a great place to visit we had a private tour behind the scenes which gave a great insight the working of the theatre. There are 3 stages and they tend to put performances on at separate times as otherwise the theatre would be over crowded. Worth a visit and would recommend the tour.

J. M.

The NT is great. Brilliantly designed theatres in a 1960s brutalist design. Comfortable, great sightlines, lots of space to relax at the break and after the show. Went to see Small Island which added to the enjoyment.

K. S.

I like it nice place to chill

B. L.

Watched 3 Sisters...brilliant and the venue was good. Easy to get to as transport links via train, tube or buses. Friendly staff and seats were ok

K. G.

Went to see Hex: beautiful!!

A. L.

Simply amazing. The building is modern and gorgeous. Inside and outside. The best seating I've seen in theatres in London. The service by the staff is absolutely perfect. The overall experience really amazing. The best theatre in London.

S. N.

The 3 course meal at the House restaurant was great and good value. The play "Julie" was good but a little too much of this short play had loud party music where perhaps only 1 min of the music would have been enough to inform the audience that a party was going on!

T. W.

Excellent production of "Small Island"; my wife and I just watched the Matinee and both thoroughly enjoyed it. The cast were fantastic and the showmanship seamless all while telling a great story.

c. h.

Choice of restaurants, bars and cafes to suit all tastes and varied productions in all the theatres. We saw Follies which was excellent. I believe they also have workshops and back-stage tours available.

C. C.

Well worth a look. In 1847, a critic using the pseudonym Dramaticus published a pamphlet describing the parlous state of British theatre. Production of serious plays was restricted to the patent theatres, and new plays were subjected to censorship by the Lord Chamberlain's Office. At the same time, there was a burgeoning theatre sector featuring a diet of low melodrama and musical burlesque; but critics described British theatre as driven by commercialism and a 'star' system. There was a demand to commemorate serious theatre, with the "Shakespeare Committee" purchasing the playwright's birthplace for the nation demonstrating a recognition of the importance of 'serious drama'. The following year saw more pamphlets on a demand for a National Theatre from London publisher Effingham William Wilson. The situation continued, with a renewed call every decade for a National Theatre. Attention was aroused in 1879 when the Comédie-Française took a residency at the Gaiety Theatre, described in The Times as representing "the highest aristocracy of the theatre". The principal demands now coalesced around: a structure in the capital that would present "exemplary theatre"; that would form a permanent memorial to Shakespeare; a supported company that would represent the best of British acting; and a theatre school. The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was opened in Stratford upon Avon on 23 April 1879, with the New Shakespeare Company (now the Royal Shakespeare Company); and Herbert Beerbohm Tree founded an Academy of Dramatic Art at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1904. This still left the capital without a national theatre. A London Shakespeare League was founded in 1902 to develop a Shakespeare National Theatre and – with the impending tri-centenary in 1916 of his death – in 1913 purchased land for a theatre in Bloomsbury. This work was interrupted by World War I.

M. R.

The National Theatre has three spaces. It puts on mainly plays. Tickets start at £15 and it is established as the leading production house for plays in the UK. The public spaces are quite austere but in the summer the outside spaces are very popular and an outdoor stage is set up.

g. c.

Watched Bryan Cranston in Network at Lyttleton theatre within the National theatre. What an incredible performance. Loved it. Lovely little theatre with large comfortable sitting and lots of leg room. Needs some TLC in the foyer though. Will definitely come again xx

P. W.

Lovely theatre. Lovely place and great show. It's a shame if has that ugly concrete exterior. Nice location for a post show drink on the Southbank. Exactly what I would expect from a venue like this in London.

H. C.

I always enjoy coming here. Tonight was no exception. I watched "Nine Night.' It was fantastic. Authentic dialogue- capturing the true essence of the Jamaican nine night as well as the cultural traditions. Theatre is a very pleasant environment.

D. P.

A fantastic venue. It is true that it looks like a bomb shelter from the outside but on the inside it is state of the art, very comfortable and it is the stunning performances which really make the National Theatre my favourite theatre in all of London.

I. S.

3 very different theatres, supported by several places to eat or drink, a bookshop and plenty of room to wait or use your laptop. On a spectacular riverside site.

P. M.

Didn't wait a long time in line for my ticket, the bar has a large variety of drinks and they have quite reasonable prices. "The imposter" was an amazing play, everyone who wants to see it, should go.

P. A.

The most beautiful building in London. Hopefully any development will not destroy this iconic masterpiece.

J. P.

The National Theatre is vast, with three separate auditoriums within. The productions range from established names, to newer and unknown playwrights. The sponsored cheap tickets really widen the appeal, and the audiences are very varied and diverse. Tickets are often available on the day from the box office, so don't be afraid to turn up and see what's available.

T. F.

With 4 restaurants, 3 theatres, 2 bars and a coffee shop you're sure to find something you'd like. You can while away the day in their grand foyer and there's a great bookshop too. Definitely worth a visit just for the building itself!

s. r.

Love the space. So many great and memorable shows we have seen here over last 10 years or so. This place is not to be missed when visiting southbank /london. Despite many new restaurants and bars opening here in last couple of years, the building is still a cultural institution of great importance.

J. W.

Saw Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo in the lead roles with stand out performances from the entire cast. As always the minimalist set showed less is more and the live music brought the whole thing to life. National Theatre is always a fantastic night out.

J. C.

Great theatre, but the ugly, brutaly exterior I can't love. The building is in a lovely setting by the river Thames. Inside the theatre is spacious and the seating is comfortable with good clear views of the stage.

M. W.

Wonderful theatre complex, with a couple of exhibits, restaurants, cafes, and of course auditoriums. Right on South Bank for convenience after work. The Green Room restaurant was a great pre-show bite too

E. E.

The building is a beauty of modern architecture. The plays are invariably excellent

Z. P.

I haven't been to the National in years and went to see Anthony & Cleopatra with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo. Superb! I forgot how beautiful the theatre was and the view of Southbank from the roof is stunning! It's always best to pre-order drinks for the interval especially with longer running shows and all the staff are so lovely.

L. H.

Even if you want to pop in for a coffee, or a good wine, or just a chill little bit. This is the place. Brutalist architecture, concrete, very friendly and nice staff. Never miss a chance to have a look inside this "castle"

K. C.

Amazing space love the high ceilings and comfy seats. They have put a lot of effort in their productions and we are never disappointed with the quality of the plays we have seen here!

J. B. H.

Great theatre. They have a good selection of plays.

R. J.

Very good production with limited number of cheap priced tickets for most performances.

B. L.

If you want a great parking space central to Somerset House then look no further. Four hours parking for £11 and took the kids up for lunch in the theatre restaurant. Over for ice skating hell in Somerset House and then back to collect the car and off on our merry way. Don't know of any other parking places with added benefits

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