(Waterloo) South Bank
London,
BUILT: 1976
SEATING CAPACITY: 1165
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National Theatre (Olivier) History
The Olivier Theatre is the largest of the three theatres at the National. It can accommodate 1,150 people in its fan-shaped auditorium, and 2,000 years of drama on its open stage. Two main tiers of steeply raked seats − flanked by side-banks on a higher level − sweep down to the stage. In spite of its size, the Olivier has a concentrated intimacy. No seat is far from an actor's point of command; and the span of the seats matches their effective span of vision. They can hold the audience within the compass of their eyes.
Shows at the National Theatre (Olivier)
DATES PRODUCTION 3/6/2026 - 4/29/2026 Summerfolk (2026)
Click Here to Buy Tickets9/13/2025 - 11/1/2025 Bacchae (2025) 7/3/2025 - 8/16/2025 Nye (2025) 3/10/2025 - 5/24/2025 Dear England (2025) 11/26/2024 - 2/22/2025 Ballet Shoes (2024) 10/22/2024 - 11/9/2024 Coriolanus (2024) 11/26/2022 - 1/14/2023 Hex (2022) 2/24/2022 - 4/16/2022 Small Island (2022) 6/27/2019 - 10/8/2019 Peter Gynt (2019) 2/14/2019 - Follies (2019) 11/2/2018 - 1/26/2019 Hadestown (2018) 10/4/2017 - 12/2/2017 Saint George and the Dragon (2017) 8/22/2017 - 11/4/2017 Follies (2017) 5/10/2017 - 7/15/2017 Salome (2017) 2/15/2017 - Twelfth Night (2017) 1/20/2016 - 3/5/2016 As You Like It (2016) 11/14/2012 - 1/22/2013 The Magistrate (2012) 10/4/2012 - 11/7/2012 Damned By Despair (2012) 5/30/2012 - 7/29/2012 Antigone (2012) 4/30/2012 - 5/13/2012 Collaborators (2011) 10/18/2011 - 1/8/2012 13 (2011) 8/31/2011 - 11/9/2011 The Kitchen (2011) 11/6/2010 - 1/23/2011 Fela! (2010) 3/2/2010 - 6/2/2010 London Assurance (2010) 11/11/2009 - 3/28/2010 Nation (2009) 7/1/2004 - 7/1/2004 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2004) 12/18/2002 - 3/22/2003 Anything Goes (2002) 12/12/2001 - 4/27/2002 South Pacific (2001) 3/15/2001 - 3/15/2001 My Fair Lady (2001) 4/13/1999 - 1/25/2000 Candide (1999) 7/15/1998 - 10/3/1998 Oklahoma! (1998) 12/17/1996 - Guys and Dolls (1996) 9/26/1995 - 8/31/1996 A Little Night Music (1995) 4/27/1989 - 4/27/1989 Ghetto (1989) 4/12/1984 - 9/15/1984 Guys and Dolls (1984) 12/1/1983 - 4/3/1984 Jean Seberg (1983) 3/9/1982 - 3/9/1982 Guys and Dolls (1982) - 1/27/2024 The Witches (2023) - The Threepenny Opera (1986)
News
Photos: Jo Foster, Katie Brayben and More in INTO THE WOODS at the Bridge Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2025
You can now get a first look at production photos of London Theatre Company's Into The Woods. The major new production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2025
You can now get a first look at production photos of London Theatre Company's Into The Woods. The major new production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt.
Photos: Inside Rehearsal For INTO THE WOODS at the Bridge Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 11, 2025
London Theatre Company has released photos from the rehearsal room of Into The Woods. The production, helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt, will begin previews in December. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 11, 2025
London Theatre Company has released photos from the rehearsal room of Into The Woods. The production, helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt, will begin previews in December. Check out photos here!
Photos/Video: INTO THE WOODS Begins Rehearsals at the Bridge Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2025
All new photos and video have been release of the company of Into The Woods on their first day of rehearsals. Check out the photos and video footage and learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2025
All new photos and video have been release of the company of Into The Woods on their first day of rehearsals. Check out the photos and video footage and learn more about the show here!
Katie Brayben, Kate Fleetwood, Jamie Parker Will Lead INTO THE WOODS At The Bridge Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2025
Casting has been announced for a brand-new staging of Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre. The production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume designer Tom Scutt.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2025
Casting has been announced for a brand-new staging of Into The Woods at the Bridge Theatre. The production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume designer Tom Scutt.
Olivier Awards 2025- All the Winners!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2025
The Olivier Awards 2025 were held at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. We have the full list of winners here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2025
The Olivier Awards 2025 were held at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. We have the full list of winners here!
BroadwayWorld UK's Olivier Awards 2025 Predictions
by BWW UK Critics - Apr 4, 2025
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. Leading the way this year is Tom Scutt's Fiddler on the Roof which matches Hamilton's record-breaking 13 nominations, represented in every acting and creative category.
by BWW UK Critics - Apr 4, 2025
Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. Leading the way this year is Tom Scutt's Fiddler on the Roof which matches Hamilton's record-breaking 13 nominations, represented in every acting and creative category.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025
The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025
The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Full Cast Set For DOUBT A PARABLE at Theatre Royal Bath
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024
Theatre Royal Bath Productions has confirmed full casting for John Patrick Shanley’s drama DOUBT a parable at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio. Learn more about the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024
Theatre Royal Bath Productions has confirmed full casting for John Patrick Shanley’s drama DOUBT a parable at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio. Learn more about the cast here!
Photos: In Rehearsal for the UK Premiere of New Shakespeare-Inspired Musical, PLAY ON!
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2024
See photos from inside rehearsal for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2024
See photos from inside rehearsal for the UK premiere of Play On!, the jazz-fuelled, Twelfth Night-inspired musical that will tour the UK from September 2024 – February 2025.
Broadway-Bound ALI Musical Will Premiere in Chicago in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Jul 10, 2024
ALI, the new musical celebrating the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, is set to premiere in Chicago next year, for an out of town run prior to Broadway. We have all of the details on the new musical!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 10, 2024
ALI, the new musical celebrating the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, is set to premiere in Chicago next year, for an out of town run prior to Broadway. We have all of the details on the new musical!
THE LITTLE MERMAID and LITTLE RED Set For Bristol Old Vic's 2024 Christmas Programme
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2024
Bristol Old Vic has announced its Christmas programme for 2024 – two new productions inspired by classic fairy tales. Learn more about both shows here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2024
Bristol Old Vic has announced its Christmas programme for 2024 – two new productions inspired by classic fairy tales. Learn more about both shows here!
Good Theater Presents ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS This January
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2023
Good Theater will kick off the new year with the side-splitting comedy ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS by Richard Bean, starring local favorite Dustin Tucker in his Good Theater debut. We have all of the details on the production!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2023
Good Theater will kick off the new year with the side-splitting comedy ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS by Richard Bean, starring local favorite Dustin Tucker in his Good Theater debut. We have all of the details on the production!
Jonny Lee Miller, Tanya Reynolds, and Samuel Adewunmi Will Lead the West End Transfer of A MIRROR
by Stephi Wild - Nov 28, 2023
Second Half Productions has announced that Sam Holcroft's (Rules for Living) critically acclaimed new play A Mirror will transfer to the West End from January 2024.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 28, 2023
Second Half Productions has announced that Sam Holcroft's (Rules for Living) critically acclaimed new play A Mirror will transfer to the West End from January 2024.
Mark Gatiss is the 2023 UK Theatre Awards Recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2023
Mark Gatiss is the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award. He will be honoured at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony, taking place on Sunday 8 October at London’s Guildhall.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2023
Mark Gatiss is the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award. He will be honoured at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony, taking place on Sunday 8 October at London’s Guildhall.
Hayley Tamaddon Joins The 2023-24 UK and Ireland Tour of EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
by Stephi Wild - Jun 5, 2023
Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, has announced the return of Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street, Emmerdale) as Miss Hedge, having previously appeared in the West End production at the Apollo Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 5, 2023
Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, has announced the return of Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street, Emmerdale) as Miss Hedge, having previously appeared in the West End production at the Apollo Theatre.
Olivier Awards 2022 - Full List of Winners!
by Team BWW - Apr 10, 2022
British theatre's biggest night is here at last. The Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard take place tonight, 10 April, at the Royal Albert Hall. The ceremony will be hosted by Jason Manford and broadcast via official media partners ITV and Magic Radio. We'll be updating the list of nominees LIVE.
by Team BWW - Apr 10, 2022
British theatre's biggest night is here at last. The Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard take place tonight, 10 April, at the Royal Albert Hall. The ceremony will be hosted by Jason Manford and broadcast via official media partners ITV and Magic Radio. We'll be updating the list of nominees LIVE.
CABARET Leads in Nominations for the 2022 Olivier Awards; View All the Nominees Here
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 8, 2022
Nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard, British theatre’s most prestigious honours, which take place on Sunday 10 April at the Royal Albert Hall. View the full list.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 8, 2022
Nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2022 with Mastercard, British theatre’s most prestigious honours, which take place on Sunday 10 April at the Royal Albert Hall. View the full list.
WEST END ACOUSTIC and Agatha Christie Staged Readings Announced As Part Of Riverside Studios Christmas Season
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2020
Riverside Studios today announces further programming for its inaugural Christmas season in association with New Frame Productions, including an evening of unplugged performance with West End Acoustic featuring SIX's Maiya Quansah-Breed and Renée Lamb, Wicked's Nicholas McLean, Jesus Christ Superstar's Tyrone Huntley and Dear Evan Hansen's Oliver Award-winning Sam Tutty.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2020
Riverside Studios today announces further programming for its inaugural Christmas season in association with New Frame Productions, including an evening of unplugged performance with West End Acoustic featuring SIX's Maiya Quansah-Breed and Renée Lamb, Wicked's Nicholas McLean, Jesus Christ Superstar's Tyrone Huntley and Dear Evan Hansen's Oliver Award-winning Sam Tutty.
Review Roundup: What Did Critics Say About the National's Starry ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA?
by Julie Musbach - Sep 27, 2018
Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play the famous fated couple in the National Theatre's production of Antony and Cleopatra. Let's see what the critics had to say.
by Julie Musbach - Sep 27, 2018
Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play the famous fated couple in the National Theatre's production of Antony and Cleopatra. Let's see what the critics had to say.
National Theatre (Olivier) Frequently Asked Questions
What show is currently in National Theatre (Olivier)?
National Theatre (Olivier)'s current show is Hex which began performances on 11/26/2022.
What when was National Theatre (Olivier) built?
National Theatre (Olivier) was built in 1976.
How many seats does National Theatre (Olivier) have?
National Theatre (Olivier) has 1165 seats.
What were the longest running shows at National Theatre (Olivier)?
My Fair Lady which ran from 3/15/2001 to 8/30/2003, Guys and Dolls which ran from 4/12/1984 to 4/26/1986, Anything Goes which ran from 12/18/2002 to 5/1/2004, Oklahoma! which ran from 7/15/1998 to 6/26/1999 and
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