National Theatre – Olivier Theatre London

Venue Information

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre
Address: Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX
Nearest Underground or Train Station: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)
Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

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How do I get to the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?

Public transport is recommended to travel to the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre. The nearest underground or train stations are Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line). If arriving by bus, then the nearest bus lines are 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1 . For directions to the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre see our Google Maps directions or Apple Maps directions.

Theatre Quick Facts

Date opened: 4 October 1976
Designer: Sir Denys Lasdun and Peter Softley
First production: Marlowe's Tamburlain
Number of seats: 1,150

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre News

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Theatre History

The National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre is named after Sir Laurence Olivier, the original Artistic Director of the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic and one of Britain’s most famous and accomplished actors. 

The National Theatre complex was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 25 October 1976.

The Olivier Theatre is the largest of the three theatres at the National with two main tiers of steeply raked seats, flanked by side-banks on a higher level − sweep down to the open stage.

The Olivier saw its first performance on 4 October 1976, with Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine The Great, directed by Peter Hall with Albert Finney in the lead.