National Theatre – Olivier Theatre London

Venue Information

Also see:
National Theatre
National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre
National Theatre: Dorfman Theatre
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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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Is there a dress code at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?
There is no specific dress code at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre, with most people just wearing their everyday clothes.
Does the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre have air conditioning or air cooling?
Yes, the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre has an Air Conditioning system.
What is the Accessibility at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?
National Theatre - Olivier Theatre accessibility information
Access phone number: 020 7452 3000
Access email address: boxoffice@nationaltheatre.org.uk / access@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Accessible toilets situated: Foyers - 9, including Understudy Bar
Number of Wheelchair spaces: Stalls (x5 in Olivier, x4 in Lyttelton, x2 in Dorfman)
Sound amplification: Induction Loop in Olivier and Lyttelton, Sennheiser Infrared in Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman
Access from street to foyer: Level access
Access from theatre foyer to seats (number = stairs): 1 to back of Olivier, 0 to back of Lyttelton and Dorfman, All have steps leading down towards the front
Level access: Lyttelton and Dorfman
Stair lift, lift or ramp available: Lifts to all levels
How many seats are in the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?
The National Theatre - Olivier Theatre has 1,150 seats.

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre Facts

What date did the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre open?

4 October 1976

Who designed the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?

Sir Denys Lasdun and Peter Softley

What was the first production at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre?

Marlowe's Tamburlain


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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.


Theatre Previous Shows

Past shows that have played at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre include:

Dancing at Lughnasa
Hex
Small Island
The Normal Heart
Saint George and the Dragon
Follies
The Beaux' Stratagem
Everyman
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
James III: The True Mirror
James II: Day of The Innocents
James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock
Treasure Island
A Small Family Business
Medea
Emil and The Detectives
Antigone
The Cherry Orchard
FELA!

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