Venue Information

Approx. capacity: 1100

The largest of the National's three theatres, the Olivier, is built in the style of an amphitheatre with a fan-shaped auditorium. It seats about 1,100 people on two levels: Stalls and Circle. The National Theatre's epic productions tend to play here: Chicago company Steppenwolf's 'August: Osage County' and an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's 'War Horse' among them. It was once a large draughty space to fill but in recent years a new generation of very visual directors has transformed the vertical spaces with spectacular sets. The theatre is also pretty proud of its drum revolve - a sort of giant rotating stage that comes complete with set-friendly elevators.

Transport

By Tube

The closest tube stations are Waterloo (on the Northern, Bakerloo & Jubilee lines), Southwark (on the Jubilee line) or walk over the Hungerford Bridge from Embankment (on the Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines).

By Train

Waterloo, Waterloo East and Charing Cross (across the river via the Hungerford Bridge) are all a 10-15 minute walk from the National.

By Car

The National Theatre is inside the congestion charge zone. The daily charge of £10 applies between 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

By Bus

All the following buses cross Waterloo Bridge: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, Riverside Bus (RV1 - which also stops on Upper Ground which runs by the back of the National Theatre). 77 (Upper Ground near the Festival Hall), 211 & 507 (Waterloo Road near the main station), 381 (Stamford Street). 45, 63 & 100 all stop at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, and there is a 10 minute walk along the riverside to the National.

Parking

Car Park - National Theatre basement Opening times are 6am to 1am. The entrance to the car park is now on the west (Waterloo Bridge) side of the building. Spaces in the basement car park are £8.00 after 5.00pm or if you attend a daytime ticketed event and leave before 7pm. Combined matinee and evening show rate £14. Validation must be obtained from the Information Desk. Sundays/public holidays: £8.00 all day. (omit one hour free)

Accessibility

Number of Steps

Olivier Cloakroom Foyer: Level 1 The cloakroom is 11 steps up from the nearest lift on Level 1. There's a chair lift, but if you're a wheelchair-user or have limited mobility we advise you to use the Lyttelton Cloakroom on the ground floor. There's also an exhibition space and an accessible toilet on Level 1. Olivier Stalls Foyer: Level 2 Access is via the main lifts or by stairs. From here, you can also go outside to the Baylis Terrace via two ramps. The Box Office and Information Desk are open two hours before Olivier performances, and the bookstall and two bars one hour before. Olivier Stalls Seating: Level 2 From Level 2, there's flat access to five wheelchair spaces at the back of the Stalls. The back row (R) is one small step up, next to the accessible seating, and there are 25 steps down to row A at the front. There's no handrail on the centre aisle. The side Stalls are raised and will be awkward for anyone with limited mobility. There's an accessible toilet on the way into the auditorium. Olivier Circle Foyer: Level 3 The entrance to seating in the Circle is on this level, as well as the Circle Bar and 'Stage by Stage', a permanent exhibition on the National's history. There's also a bar and small seating area, a chair lift down to the Olivier Cafe and access to the outside terrace (via one deep step). The Ashcroft Room, for private functions, is also on Level 3. Olivier Circle Seating: Level 3 There is level access from the entrance to row G at the back, with 18 steps down to row A at the front. The Circle steps are quite steep with handrails on all aisles.

Wheelchair Access

Please call 020 7452 3000 to book and for more information.

Hearing Systems

An infrared audio system is available in the theatre. Two types of hearing enhancement are available: headsets for people who don't use hearing aids, or neck loops for use with a hearing aid by switching it to the 'T' position.

Guide Dogs

Assistance dogs can be taken into the auditorium. Please contact the venue to let them know before booking on 020 7452 3281.

General Access Info

For access information or to book, call 020 7452 3000 or email access@nationaltheatre.org.uk.