How Many Theatres Are There in the London National Theatre?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to visit the London National Theatre and wondering how many theatres are there? Well, you have come to the right place. The London National Theatre is one of the most renowned theatrical venues in the world, hosting a wide range of performances throughout the year.

The London National Theatre

The London National Theatre is located in South Bank, London, and was opened in 1976. It comprises three auditoriums – Olivier Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre, and Dorfman Theatre.

Olivier Theatre

The Olivier Theatre is the largest theatre at the London National Theatre, with a seating capacity of 1,150 people. It is named after Laurence Olivier, who was a famous English actor and director. The theatre has a unique thrust stage design which brings the audience closer to the performance.

Lyttelton Theatre

The Lyttelton Theatre is named after Oliver Lyttelton, who was a former chairman of the National Theatre Board. It has a seating capacity of 890 people and hosts a wide range of productions throughout the year.

Dorfman Theatre

Formerly known as Cottesloe theatre, it was renamed as Dorfman theatre in 2014 after Lloyd Dorfman donated £10 million towards its redevelopment. It has a seating capacity of 450 people and hosts new plays by emerging writers as well as avant-garde productions.

  • Interesting Fact: The London National Theatre also has an outdoor venue called The Understudy Bar which hosts free performances during summer.

In conclusion, if you are planning to visit the London National Theatre anytime soon, you can enjoy performances at any one of these three auditoriums – Olivier theatre with its unique thrust stage design for an immersive experience or catch avant-garde productions at Dorfman theatre, or enjoy a range of productions at Lyttelton theatre. Regardless of which theatre you choose to visit, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.