National Theatre

Address:
1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

BUILT: 1922

SEATING CAPACITY: 1676
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National Theatre History

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, The National Theatre opened in 1835 and is the nation’s oldest venue still presenting touring Broadway.

Shows at the National Theatre

DATES PRODUCTION

8/18/2026 - 8/23/2026 The Notebook (2025)
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5/12/2026 - 5/24/2026 The Great Gatsby: A New Musical (2026)
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4/7/2026 - 4/12/2026 The Wiz (2025)
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3/18/2026 - 4/5/2026 Beauty and the Beast (2025)
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2/10/2026 - 3/8/2026 Stereophonic (2025)
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1/27/2026 - 2/1/2026 Clue (2025)
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11/18/2025 - 11/23/2025 Hadestown (Non-Equity) (2024)
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7/18/2025 - 7/20/2025 Ain't Too Proud (Non-Equity) (2024)

7/8/2025 - 9/6/2025 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2024)
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6/17/2025 - 6/22/2025 Ain't Too Proud (2021)

5/20/2025 - 6/1/2025 Kimberly Akimbo (2024)
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2/25/2025 - 3/2/2025 Shucked (2024)
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1/24/2025 - 6/29/2025 Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Non-Equity) (2024)
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12/3/2024 - 12/8/2024 A Beautiful Noise (2024)
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11/12/2024 - 12/1/2024 SIX (Boleyn Tour) (2022)
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10/15/2024 - 10/20/2024 Mean Girls (Non-Equity) (2023)

8/13/2024 - 9/8/2024 MJ (2023)
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4/9/2024 - 4/21/2024 Peter Pan (Non-Equity) (2023)

3/5/2024 - 3/17/2024 The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity) (2022)
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1/23/2024 - 1/28/2024 Annie (Non-Equity) (2022)

12/12/2023 - 12/17/2023 Pretty Woman (Non-Equity) (2023)

10/24/2023 - 10/29/2023 The Wiz (2023)

10/10/2023 - 11/24/2024 Mrs. Doubtfire (2023)

6/6/2023 - 6/11/2023 Hadestown (2021)

5/16/2023 - 9/14/2025 Beetlejuice (2022)

4/19/2023 - 4/30/2023 Aladdin (2022)

4/6/2023 - 4/9/2023 My Fair Lady (Non-Equity) (2022)

3/14/2023 - 3/26/2023 Jagged Little Pill (2022)

1/10/2023 - 1/22/2023 Cats (Non-Equity) (2021)

11/15/2022 - 11/27/2022 Chicago (Non-Equity) (2022)

10/4/2022 - 8/4/2024 Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2022)

7/5/2022 - 9/4/2022 SIX (Aragon Tour) (2022)

5/10/2022 - 5/15/2022 Hairspray (Non-Equity) (2021)

4/12/2022 - 4/17/2022 Come From Away (2018)

3/25/2022 - 3/27/2022 Rent (Non Eq) (2016)

1/29/2022 - 1/30/2022 The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Non-Eq) (2021)

12/7/2021 - 12/12/2021 Tootsie (Non-Equity) (2021)

2/11/2020 - 2/16/2020 The King's Speech (2020)

12/17/2019 - 1/5/2020 Jersey Boys (2015)

11/12/2019 - 11/17/2019 Rent (Non Eq) (2016)

3/26/2019 - 3/31/2019 A Bronx Tale (2018)

11/27/2018 - 12/30/2018 Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2015)

10/14/2018 - 11/16/2018 Beetlejuice (2018)

5/15/2018 - 6/3/2018 Waitress (2017)

2/6/2018 - 2/18/2018 Something Rotten! (2017)

12/20/2017 - 1/7/2018 Les Miserables (2017)
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10/31/2017 - 12/3/2017 Mean Girls (2017)

6/20/2017 - 7/2/2017 Rent (Non Eq) (2016)

4/18/2017 - 5/13/2017 Fun Home (2016)

4/6/2016 - 4/24/2016 Jersey Boys (2015)

12/1/2015 - 1/3/2016 Motown the Musical (2014)

11/18/2015 - 11/29/2015 Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (2014)

3/17/2015 - 3/29/2015 Blithe Spirit (2014)

12/16/2014 - 1/4/2015 Pippin (2014)

8/26/2014 - 9/14/2014 Dirty Dancing (2014)

6/12/2012 - 6/24/2012 Beauty and the Beast (2010)

11/10/2011 - 1/7/2012 Jersey Boys (2006)

7/12/2011 - 7/24/2011 Rock of Ages (2010)

3/8/2011 - 3/20/2011 In the Heights (2009)

10/1/2009 - 12/12/2009 Jersey Boys (2006)

3/10/2009 - 3/22/2009 A Chorus Line (2008)

12/16/2008 - 1/17/2009 West Side Story (2009)

12/11/2007 - 1/6/2008 Monty Python's Spamalot (2006)

6/6/2006 - 7/9/2006 Monty Python's Spamalot (2006)

3/21/2006 - 4/8/2006 Hot Feet (2006) [Pre-Broadway]

6/10/2003 - 6/28/2003 Chicago (unknown)

9/30/1979 - 9/30/1979 Daddy Goodness (1979) [Pre-Broadway]

1/11/1978 - 1/14/1978 Spotlight (1978) [Pre-Broadway]

11/18/1967 - 12/9/1967 Mata Hari (1967) [Pre-Broadway]

12/17/1963 - 12/17/1963 Hello, Dolly! (1964) [Pre-Broadway]

12/1/1954 - 2/26/1955 Mrs. Patterson (1954)

2/18/1953 - 2/21/1953 Maggie (1953)

6/14/1951 - Courtin' Time (1951)

12/16/1948 - 1/21/1950 Lend an Ear (1948)

5/5/1948 - 6/12/1948 Hold It! (1948)

2/20/1948 - 3/13/1948 Tonight at 8:30 (1948)

4/18/1946 - 7/19/1947 Call Me Mister (1946)

11/22/1945 - 4/13/1946 The Day Before Spring (1945)

11/11/1943 - 1/4/1944 What's Up (1943)

10/1/1943 - 10/2/1943 Hairpin Harmony (1943)

11/24/1936 - 11/24/1936 Tonight at 8:30 (1936)

11/15/1927 - 11/15/1927 Show Boat (1927) [Pre-Broadway]

10/20/1925 - Arabesque (1925)

3/8/1852 - 3/12/1852 The Magic Deer (1852)

4/21/1841 - 5/22/1841 The Naiad Queen (1841)

10/14/1839 - 10/14/1839 Amilie (1839)

10/13/1833 - 10/13/1833 Amilie, or, the Love Test (1838)

- Beyond the Fringe (1962) [Pre-Broadway]

- 1776 (1969) [Pre-Broadway]

- Li'l Abner (1956) [Pre-Broadway]

- All Saints' Day (1960)

- Carnival! (1961) [Pre-Broadway]

- Frederika (1937) [Pre-Broadway]

News

Fuel Adds Three New Trustees To Board Photo

Fuel Adds Three New Trustees To Board
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 8, 2026

Fuel has announced the appointment of Rakie Ayola, Selina Ocean, and Jenny Waldman CBE as new Trustees. The three join the organisation’s existing board as Fuel continues its producing and development work.

BEST FOR BABY World Premiere and More Set for Chautauqua Theater Company 2026 Season Photo

BEST FOR BABY World Premiere and More Set for Chautauqua Theater Company 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2026

Chautauqua Theater Company has unveiled its 2026 mainstage season, featuring the world premiere of Best for Baby, a larger-than-life comedy by Sharyn Rothstein directed by Oliver Butler, and more.

Centaur Theatre to Present WINTERWORKS 2026 Festival Photo

Centaur Theatre to Present WINTERWORKS 2026 Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

WinterWorks, Centaur Theatre's festival dedicated to adventurous, experimental, and cutting-edge performance, will return this winter. WinterWorks has evolved into a dynamic showcase of what's next in Canadian performance.

Fergus Head's WHITE ELEPHANTS to be Presented at Canal Café Theatre Photo

Fergus Head's WHITE ELEPHANTS to be Presented at Canal Café Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

Fergus Head's White Elephants will be presented at Canal Cafe Theatre. White Elephants is a nostalgic, melancholic look at communication, combining original music and drama to bring the atmosphere of small-town Spanish life to Maida Vale.

Full Cast Set For Jerome Kilty’s DEAR LIAR at Jermyn Street Theatre Photo

Full Cast Set For Jerome Kilty’s DEAR LIAR at Jermyn Street Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026

With their revival of Orphans starting performances this week, Jermyn Street Theatre has announced full casting for Jerome Kilty's Dear Liar - adapted from the correspondence of George Bernard Shaw and Mrs Patrick Campbell.

Elizabeth Dulau and Owen Teale Will Lead World Premiere of BIRD GROVE at Hampstead Th Photo

Elizabeth Dulau and Owen Teale Will Lead World Premiere of BIRD GROVE at Hampstead Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026

Elizabeth Dulau will star alongside Owen Teale in the world premiere of Bird Grove – Olivier Award-winning playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell's new play about the early life of one of England's greatest writers, George Eliot.

Birmingham Hippodrome Will Host Conference For Teachers In Collaboration With The Nat Photo

Birmingham Hippodrome Will Host Conference For Teachers In Collaboration With The National Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026

Drama teachers looking for new year inspiration can apply to join an inspiring conference taking place at Birmingham Hippodrome in February. Learn more here!

The New National Theatre Tokyo Will Host English-Guided Backstage Tours Photo

The New National Theatre Tokyo Will Host English-Guided Backstage Tours
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026

The New National Theatre Tokyo will be hosting English-guided backstage tours during the first quarter of 2026. Learn more about how to attend a tour here!

Video: LEGALLY BLONDE UK Tour Releases New Trailer Photo

Video: LEGALLY BLONDE UK Tour Releases New Trailer
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026

An all new trailer has been released for the new UK tour of Legally Blonde the Musical. The musical will tour the UK and Ireland in 2026, opening at Leicester's Curve theatre on 7 February. Check out the video here!

Cast and Creative Team Set For THE RAT TRAP at Park Theatre Photo

Cast and Creative Team Set For THE RAT TRAP at Park Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026

Troupe has announced the full cast and creative team for its forthcoming production of Noël Coward’s The Rat Trap, reimagined by Bill Rosenfield. Learn more here!

2026: Theatre in Scotland At A Glance Photo

2026: Theatre in Scotland At A Glance
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Jan 5, 2026

BroadwayWorld Scotland Editor Natalie O'Donoghue rounds up the best theatre taking place in Scotland in 2026

Photos: MAN AND BOY Rehearsals at The National Theatre Photo

Photos: MAN AND BOY Rehearsals at The National Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2026

You can now get a first look at rehearsal photos of The National Theatre's Man and Boy, Terence Rattigan's tale of fatherhood and corruption, marking Director Anthony Lau’s (The Crucible) National Theatre debut.

Hannah Lowther and More Join LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour Photo

Hannah Lowther and More Join LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2026

Musical theatre and Tik Tok star, Hannah Lowther will play Margot and Alternate Elle Woods in the new UK and Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. The cast also includes George Crawford, Karen Mavundukure, and more.

Review: DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL at National Theatre Photo

Review: DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL at National Theatre
by Roger Catlin - Jan 3, 2026

What did our critic think of the national touring company production of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, running at the National Theatre.

Cast and Creative Team Set For DONBAS at Theatre503 Photo

Cast and Creative Team Set For DONBAS at Theatre503
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2026

Theatre503 has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Donbas, the award-winning debut play by Olga Braga, directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike.

NT Live Will Host THE FIFTH STEP Screenings For the Dry January Challenge 2026 Photo

NT Live Will Host THE FIFTH STEP Screenings For the Dry January Challenge 2026
by Stephi Wild - Dec 30, 2025

Special screenings of the critically acclaimed NT Live: The Fifth Step with Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) will take place across the UK and Ireland.

National Theatre's Kath Geraghty Will Receive MBE For Services to Education and Skill Photo

National Theatre's Kath Geraghty Will Receive MBE For Services to Education and Skills
by Stephi Wild - Dec 30, 2025

The National Theatre's Head of Technical Qualifications Kath Geraghty will receive the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years 2026 Honours List.

National Theatre Frequently Asked Questions

What show is next for National Theatre?

National Theatre's next show is The Notebook which begins performances on 8/18/2026.

What when was National Theatre built?

National Theatre was built in 1922.

How many seats does National Theatre have?

National Theatre has 1676 seats.

What were the longest running shows at National Theatre?

Hello, Dolly! which ran from 1/16/1964 to 12/27/1970, 1776 which ran from 3/16/1969 to 2/13/1972, West Side Story which ran from 3/19/2009 to 1/2/2011, Call Me Mister which ran from 4/18/1946 to 1/10/1948 and

Videos

Shows at the National Theatre
DATES			PRODUCTION
8/18/2026	-	8/23/2026	The Notebook (2025) Click Here to Buy Tickets
5/12/2026	-	5/24/2026	The Great Gatsby: A New Musical (2026) Click Here to Buy Tickets
4/7/2026	-	4/12/2026	The Wiz (2025) Click Here to Buy Tickets
3/18/2026	-	4/5/2026	Beauty and the Beast (2025) Click Here to Buy Tickets
2/10/2026	-	3/8/2026	Stereophonic (2025) Click Here to Buy Tickets
1/27/2026	-	2/1/2026	Clue (2025) Click Here to Buy Tickets
11/18/2025	-	11/23/2025	Hadestown (Non-Equity) (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
7/18/2025	-	7/20/2025	Ain't Too Proud (Non-Equity) (2024)
7/8/2025	-	9/6/2025	Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
6/17/2025	-	6/22/2025	Ain't Too Proud (2021)
5/20/2025	-	6/1/2025	Kimberly Akimbo (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
2/25/2025	-	3/2/2025	Shucked (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
1/24/2025	-	6/29/2025	Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Non-Equity) (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
12/3/2024	-	12/8/2024	A Beautiful Noise (2024) Click Here to Buy Tickets
11/12/2024	-	12/1/2024	SIX (Boleyn Tour) (2022) Click Here to Buy Tickets
10/15/2024	-	10/20/2024	Mean Girls (Non-Equity) (2023)
8/13/2024	-	9/8/2024	MJ (2023) Click Here to Buy Tickets
4/9/2024	-	4/21/2024	Peter Pan (Non-Equity) (2023)
3/5/2024	-	3/17/2024	The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity) (2022) Click Here to Buy Tickets
1/23/2024	-	1/28/2024	Annie (Non-Equity) (2022)
12/12/2023	-	12/17/2023	Pretty Woman (Non-Equity) (2023)
10/24/2023	-	10/29/2023	The Wiz (2023)
10/10/2023	-	11/24/2024	Mrs. Doubtfire (2023)
6/6/2023	-	6/11/2023	Hadestown (2021)
5/16/2023	-	9/14/2025	Beetlejuice (2022)
4/19/2023	-	4/30/2023	Aladdin (2022)
4/6/2023	-	4/9/2023	My Fair Lady (Non-Equity) (2022)
3/14/2023	-	3/26/2023	Jagged Little Pill (2022)
1/10/2023	-	1/22/2023	Cats (Non-Equity) (2021)
11/15/2022	-	11/27/2022	Chicago (Non-Equity) (2022)
10/4/2022	-	8/4/2024	Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2022)
7/5/2022	-	9/4/2022	SIX (Aragon Tour) (2022)
5/10/2022	-	5/15/2022	Hairspray (Non-Equity) (2021)
4/12/2022	-	4/17/2022	Come From Away (2018)
3/25/2022	-	3/27/2022	Rent (Non Eq) (2016)
1/29/2022	-	1/30/2022	The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Non-Eq) (2021)
12/7/2021	-	12/12/2021	Tootsie (Non-Equity) (2021)
2/11/2020	-	2/16/2020	The King's Speech (2020)
12/17/2019	-	1/5/2020	Jersey Boys (2015)
11/12/2019	-	11/17/2019	Rent (Non Eq) (2016)
3/26/2019	-	3/31/2019	A Bronx Tale (2018)
11/27/2018	-	12/30/2018	Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2015)
10/14/2018	-	11/16/2018	Beetlejuice (2018)
5/15/2018	-	6/3/2018	Waitress (2017)
2/6/2018	-	2/18/2018	Something Rotten! (2017)
12/20/2017	-	1/7/2018	Les Miserables (2017) Click Here to Buy Tickets
10/31/2017	-	12/3/2017	Mean Girls (2017)
6/20/2017	-	7/2/2017	Rent (Non Eq) (2016)
4/18/2017	-	5/13/2017	Fun Home (2016)
4/6/2016	-	4/24/2016	Jersey Boys (2015)
12/1/2015	-	1/3/2016	Motown the Musical (2014)
11/18/2015	-	11/29/2015	Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (2014)
3/17/2015	-	3/29/2015	Blithe Spirit (2014)
12/16/2014	-	1/4/2015	Pippin (2014)
8/26/2014	-	9/14/2014	Dirty Dancing (2014)
6/12/2012	-	6/24/2012	Beauty and the Beast (2010)
11/10/2011	-	1/7/2012	Jersey Boys (2006)
7/12/2011	-	7/24/2011	Rock of Ages (2010)
3/8/2011	-	3/20/2011	In the Heights (2009)
10/1/2009	-	12/12/2009	Jersey Boys (2006)
3/10/2009	-	3/22/2009	A Chorus Line (2008)
12/16/2008	-	1/17/2009	West Side Story (2009)
12/11/2007	-	1/6/2008	Monty Python's Spamalot (2006)
6/6/2006	-	7/9/2006	Monty Python's Spamalot (2006)
3/21/2006	-	4/8/2006	Hot Feet (2006) [Pre-Broadway]
6/10/2003	-	6/28/2003	Chicago (unknown)
9/30/1979	-	9/30/1979	Daddy Goodness (1979) [Pre-Broadway]
1/11/1978	-	1/14/1978	Spotlight (1978) [Pre-Broadway]
11/18/1967	-	12/9/1967	Mata Hari (1967) [Pre-Broadway]
12/17/1963	-	12/17/1963	Hello, Dolly! (1964) [Pre-Broadway]
12/1/1954	-	2/26/1955	Mrs. Patterson (1954)
2/18/1953	-	2/21/1953	Maggie (1953)
6/14/1951	-		Courtin' Time (1951)
12/16/1948	-	1/21/1950	Lend an Ear (1948)
5/5/1948	-	6/12/1948	Hold It! (1948)
2/20/1948	-	3/13/1948	Tonight at 8:30 (1948)
4/18/1946	-	7/19/1947	Call Me Mister (1946)
11/22/1945	-	4/13/1946	The Day Before Spring (1945)
11/11/1943	-	1/4/1944	What's Up (1943)
10/1/1943	-	10/2/1943	Hairpin Harmony (1943)
11/24/1936	-	11/24/1936	Tonight at 8:30 (1936)
11/15/1927	-	11/15/1927	Show Boat (1927) [Pre-Broadway]
10/20/1925	-		Arabesque (1925)
3/8/1852	-	3/12/1852	The Magic Deer (1852)
4/21/1841	-	5/22/1841	The Naiad Queen (1841)
10/14/1839	-	10/14/1839	Amilie (1839)
10/13/1833	-	10/13/1833	Amilie, or, the Love Test (1838)
	-		Beyond the Fringe (1962) [Pre-Broadway]
	-		1776 (1969) [Pre-Broadway]
	-		Li'l Abner (1956) [Pre-Broadway]
	-		All Saints' Day (1960)
	-		Carnival! (1961) [Pre-Broadway]
	-		Frederika (1937) [Pre-Broadway]

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