Theatre · London, England
National Theatre
Three stages of world-class theatre in Denys Lasdun’s riverside building.
The National Theatre was founded in 1963 under Laurence Olivier and performed at the Old Vic until its purpose-built home on the South Bank opened in stages from 1976. Denys Lasdun's Grade II* listed concrete building, with its layered terraces and twin fly towers beside Waterloo Bridge, is one of the best-known examples of British Brutalist architecture.
Inside are three auditoriums: the large open-stage Olivier, the proscenium Lyttelton and the flexible Dorfman. The theatre stages new plays, classics and musicals, sends productions on tour and to the West End, and shares its work worldwide through National Theatre Live cinema screenings and National Theatre at Home.
Highlights
- Three stages: Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman
- Grade II* listed Brutalist landmark by Denys Lasdun
- River terraces overlooking the Thames by Waterloo Bridge
- National Theatre Live broadcasts to cinemas worldwide
