Venue Information
National Theatre - Olivier TheatreAddress: Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Nearest Tube or Train: 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
Get Directions
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 tube 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 1976Designer: Sir Denys Lasdun and Peter Softley
First production: Marlowe's Tamburlain
Number of seats: 1,150
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:
The Normal HeartSaint 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!