The National Theatre on London's South Bank is Britain's national drama theatre and one of the most important theatre institutions in the English-speaking world. Designed by architect Denys Lasdun and opened in 1976, the Brutalist building comprises three venues: the Olivier Theatre (1,150 seats), the Lyttelton Theatre (890 seats), and the Dorfman Theatre (450 seats). The house produces about 25 premieres per season with a mix of classics, new plays, and experimental productions. Under directors like Laurence Olivier (1963-1973), Richard Eyre, and Nicholas Hytner, the National Theatre became a world benchmark; productions are broadcast worldwide via NT Live in cinemas.
The brutalist National Theatre by Denys Lasdun was described upon its opening in 1976 as both the most beautiful building and the ugliest building in London — Prince Charles called it a nuclear power station.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
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