The National Theatre (NT) is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the South Bank and has gained 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 shed light on the UK’s flagship venue. More than 1,000 highly skilled people, ranging from set designers and lighting specialists to a vast array of highly skilled craftspeople and creatives enable the NT to make all its sets, props and costumes in-house and help to make the magic happen.
Afterwards, you are free to explore the public areas of the NT at your own pace, view the exhibitions in the foyer or visit the bookshop, where you will receive a 10 per cent discount on any purchases. 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 visit Tate Modern, which is close to Blackfriars Station, or Tate Britain, which you can reach by riverboat! Look out for two exhibitions at Tate Britain: Lee Miller and Turner & Constable: Rivals and Originals.
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.
Planned programme for the day: TBC
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
11.00: Assemble at NT Box Office to meet guide
11.15: Tour begins – finishes at 12.30
End of arranged programme
16.24 or 16.39: Depart Blackfriars. Both these trains are direct to Horsham, but members can opt to stay in London.
Total Cost: £17 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. If you plan to spend the evening in London, please let the Visits Secretary know.
