Our spaces
The National Theatre is home to three theatres, spacious foyers, two learning spaces and an events hire venue on the South Bank of the Thames, in central London.
The National Theatre is on the South Bank, just minutes from Covent Garden, the West End and Waterloo.
The main entrance is on the riverside walkway, facing west, close to Waterloo Bridge.
The address is National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX.
For information on travelling to the National Theatre, visit our Getting here page.
Our theatres
Olivier Theatre
The Olivier theatre is the largest of the three theatres at the National. It can seat 1,150 people in its fan-shaped auditorium, and we present 2,000 years of drama on its open stage.
Lyttelton Theatre
The Lyttelton theatre is a traditional-style proscenium arch (the frame that surrounds a stage space, separating the audience from the stage) theatre. Its basic shape may be conventional but it has excellent sightlines from every seat.
Dorfman Theatre
The Dorfman theatre is our most flexible auditorium. It is a rectangular room, which can hold up to 450 people. It has a flexible seating system that allows directors and designers to stage plays in a variety of layouts.
The Clore Learning Centre
Please note: the spaces in the Clore Learning Centre and the John Lyons Education Studio are unavailable for hire until July 2024.
The Learning Centre houses the Duffield Studio and Cottesloe Room.
You can get to the Learning Centre via the Dorfman Theatre entrance, which has ramped access and an automated door, and is on the east side of the National Theatre.
Cottesloe Room
The Cottesloe Room is a seminar space ideal for talks, events and small-scale workshops.
Access via three steps from the Dorfman foyer, or accessible lift.
Duffield Studio
The Duffield Studio is a large studio space. It is designed for practical workshops covering aspects of theatre craft from scenic art to lighting design.
Access is via accessible lift from the Dorfman foyer.
John Lyons Education Studio (JLES)
Located at the National Theatre Studio, a short walk from the National Theatre and Waterloo Station, next to the Old Vic Theatre on The Cut.
The JLES is a large workshop space designed for movement and text-based workshops.
Access is via a ramp from the front entrance to NT Studio.
Address: John Lyon Education Studio
National Theatre Studio
83 – 101 The Cut
LONDON, SE1 8LL
Hire our rooftop venue for your event
The Buffini Chao Deck
Host your corporate event, wedding, or summer and Christmas party at the Buffini Chao Deck, our events hire venue situated on the roof of the National Theatre.
It can host up to 100 guests for dinner, 200 for a reception or party, and 120 for conferences. The Buffini Chao Deck is also licensed for weddings, with London’s skyline and the Thames riverscape providing an inspiring backdrop to say ‘I do’.
For more details and to contact the team, visit the Buffini Chao Deck website, email enquiries@ntfoodanddrink.org.uk, or please call 020 7452 3999.
Filming and Photography at the National Theatre
With stunning views across the South Bank and the river Thames the National Theatre offers a fantastic setting for both filming and photography.
Filming and Photography at the National Theatre for Commercial Purposes and Student Photography require permission. Permission request forms are available on the Filming and Photography page.
For more details please contact the Business Development Team on Filming@nationaltheatre.org.uk
The Studio
The Studio is home to the Archive, the John Lyons Learning Centre and the New Work Department of the National Theatre.
National Theatre Studio
83 – 101 The Cut
LONDON, SE1 8LL
Costume and Props Hire
Our Hire department offers thousands of beautifully crafted costumes, furniture, props and armour from past National Theatre productions. Visit our Hires page for details.
Chichester House
Kennington Park Business Estate
1-3 Brixton Road
London SW9 6DE