The National Theatre (NT) is one of South Bank's most distinctive landmarks and has a formidable global reputation for producing outstanding theatre. In a typical year, it presents more than 20 different productions on its three stages: the Olivier, with 1,115 seats; the Lyttelton with a seating capacity of 890, and the Dorfman (formerly the Cottesloe), the smallest NT auditorium with 450 seats.
The building itself is an icon of Brutalist architecture and is considered to be architect Denys Lasdun's most accomplished masterpiece.
During our 75-minute tour, our guide will throw the spotlight on the workings of the UK's flagship venue and give us a rare glimpse into backstage areas that are normally hidden from view. More than 1,000 people work behind the scenes at the NT to make the magic happen. They range from set designers and lighting specialists to a vast array of highly skilled craftsmen & women and creatives who enable the NT to make all its sets, props and costumes in-house.
Afterwards, you are free to explore the public areas of the NT at your own pace. After lunch, you can explore the exhibitions in the foyer or visit the bookshop, where you will receive a 10 per cent discount valid on the day of the tour. Please note that the bookshop and all other outlets at the NT are cashless. Or you may wish to explore the South Bank at leisure and perhaps visit Tate Modern, which is close to Blackfriars. Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free. Or you may decide to spend the evening in London. If so, please let the Visits Secretary know before the date of our visit.
Following the success of our visits to King's Cross and Tate Modern, we will be using public transport. We are also trialling this as a half-day programme so members can spend the afternoon as they wish. If far more members apply for this trip than we can accommodate, we may offer the backstage tour again next year.
To discover more about the development of the NT over the years, click here or here.
And for a recent first-hand account of the NT backstage tour, follow this link.
Plan for the day (dep. time TBC to give us leeway in the event of delays or disruption)
08.55: Depart Horsham Station, arrive London Blackfriars 10.06 (direct train)
Then… 15-minute walk along the South Bank + time for a leisurely tea/coffee at NT
11.30: Group A and Group B assemble at NT Box Office to meet their guides
11.45: Tour A begins – finishes at 13.00
12.00: Tour B begins – finishes at 13.15
End of arranged programme
16.29: Depart Blackfriars, arrive Horsham 17.27 = the fastest direct train home before rush hour, but members can opt to stay in London.
Total cost = £16 pp for the tour. Travel is not included, as we are using public transport to reduce both time and costs. As a guide, a return ticket from Horsham to Blackfriars with a Senior Railcard costs about £19.50. Cheaper options may be available by splitting tickets or forming mini-groups. Members can opt to stay on in London and spend the evening there, but please notify the Visits Secretary beforehand.
