no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 10 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

From classic drama to musical comedy, the National’s three stages (the Olivier, Lyttleton and Dorfman) epitomise the best of British theatre. Generations of renowned actors and directors have made their mark at this hulking, concrete riverside venue, which continues to surprise, provoke, and move audiences.

You can take a peek behind the scenes on one of the theatre’s Backstage Tours, which run most days of the week – contact the box office to find out more.

Logistics

Price from: £45
Minimum age: 5
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The nearest Underground station is Waterloo (Northern line, Bakerloo line, Jubilee line, overground). Arrive early for drinks on the waterfront terrace, or dinner at one of the clutch of restaurants on the river walk below the theatre.

When to do it

The theatre is open all year-round, with plays rotating on different days – check the theatre website for individual performance dates. The South Bank area, where the theatre is, tends to be busiest (and most atmospheric) on Friday nights and Saturdays.

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

view of houses of parliament at night

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination.