Royal National Theatre, Theatre company in Lambeth, London, England
The Royal National Theatre is a theatre company in Lambeth, London, housed in a brutalist building designed by Denys Lasdun with Peter Softly and Flint & Neill. Its board-marked concrete facade has stepped, angular blocks and two pairs of flat-topped towers above recessed glazed bands. The building contains three auditoriums, and a ramp with blue railings leads to the entrance.
The company formed in 1963 under the direction of Laurence Olivier and performed initially at the Old Vic in central London. The ensemble moved into its purpose-built South Bank home in 1976.
The venue has carried the Royal title since 1988 and serves as a major stage for contemporary drama in Britain. Many productions develop in collaboration with new writers and bring plays to their first performance.
The stage releases reduced-price tickets weekly through its website, with evening performances generally starting around 7 PM. The venue sits directly beside the Thames and is within walking distance from surrounding underground and rail stations.
The company has broadcast selected performances live to cinemas worldwide since 2009. These transmissions now reach venues in over 60 countries and make London productions accessible to a global audience.
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