Buying Tickets Online:	Other Box Office Information
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.

Theatre Box Office: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk operated by the venue itself. For most productions, the system also allows you to select an exact seat in the theatre, and also view the auditorium via photographs taken from various positions within it. Note that the tickets offered may differ between phone and online sources. PUBLIC BOOKING FOR ALL PERFORMANCES OF "Women Beware Women," PLUS PERFORMANCES FROM 29TH MARCH 2010 OF "London Assurance" OPENS ON 17TH FEBRUARY 2010. BOOKING IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL OTHER PERFORMANCES OF ALL OTHER PRODUCTIONS. Also for most performances you can buy a voucher online for a programme too - exchangeable at the theatre on the day. Booking fees per ticket for online bookings: A 70p charge is levied per booking to cover postage. Avoid it by booking in person or enclosing your own stamped, self addressed envelope with a postal booking. Reader CC notes that the Box Office don't mind this, though points out that you don't get the smart envelope, nice bit of cardboard and pretty leaflets with tickets, well worth the extra few pence, if you send your own. Reader CC also notes that, "It's worth mentioning that often discounted restricted view seats (if they occur due to a production's staging) are never offered online, only by telephone or in person. I asked why this was and was told that in the past when they were sold online with no involvement from members of the BO, despite stating there had a restricted view, there were too many people booking them and then complaining that they weren't told about the view etc, so they are now only available by telephone where a person can describe in detail what it's like for each play." Other Online Choices (with S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies): Theatremonkey Ticketshop, Encore Tickets and www.ticketmaster.co.uk all sometimes have allocations for productions in this venue. A booking fee will apply, indicated at time of enquiry. Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.

Box Office Information:

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.

Theatre Box Office: Telephone: 020 7452 3000. fax: 020 7452 3030 Operated by venue itself. PUBLIC BOOKING FOR ALL PERFORMANCES OF "Women Beware Women," PLUS PERFORMANCES FROM 29TH MARCH 2010 OF "London Assurance" OPENS ON 17TH FEBRUARY 2010. BOOKING IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL OTHER PERFORMANCES OF ALL OTHER PRODUCTIONS.   Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings: A 70p charge is levied per booking to cover postage. Avoid it by booking in person or enclosing your own stamped, self addressed envelope with a postal booking. Reader CC notes that the Box Office don't mind this, though points out that you don't get the smart envelope, nice bit of cardboard and pretty leaflets with tickets, well worth the extra few pence, if you send your own. Reader CC also notes that, "It's worth mentioning that often discounted restricted view seats (if they occur due to a production's staging) are never offered online, only by telephone or in person. I asked why this was and was told that in the past when they were sold online with no involvement from members of the BO, despite stating there had a restricted view, there were too many people booking them and then complaining that they weren't told about the view etc, so they are now only available by telephone where a person can describe in detail what it's like for each play."   For personal callers or by post: Olivier Theatre, Royal National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX No booking fee for personal callers.   Special Access Needs Customers: Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 020 7452 3000. fax: 020 7452 3030. Deaf customers can use Minicom 020 7452 3009 Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm too. Enquire about concessionary prices that may be available, details of access and facilities. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre box office in London. See Notes. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk is the official theatre website.

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Performance Times

Ticket Prices

Where to Buy Tickets

Seating Plan

Seat Opinions

Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:

Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference. Reader Kevin notes that this is a: "Fab theatre and excellent seating more or less where ever you sit."

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls

Dress Circle

Notes

STALLS  The Dress Circle does not overhang the stalls in this theatre. The theatre has a fan shaped auditorium with the stalls laid out as a central block of seats, and two side blocks in self contained slightly elevated wings at the edges of the auditorium. An aisle bisects Rows D to R in the centre stalls. There is no proscenium arch; the stage is open and vast. Rows A to C in the front centre block stalls are narrower than other seats, and do not have armrests. Normally, these are the best value in the theatre considering proximity to the stage and lower price.  For productions outside the Travelex £10 season, including "London Assurance": Rows A to C at the front of the theatre are £10. Feel free to look elsewhere first. Both rows B and C are O.K., with C slightly better, being a little further back (less neck ache) - and it is also the last row in front of the most expensive seats in the theatre, so has a similar view for less cash. Decide if you wish to be close to the stage but a trifle uncomfortable, or comfortable but a long way away in the last row of the circle for the same money... A reader notes, "B25: Great view on a student's £5 entry pass ticket. VERY uncomfortable. I was squirming in my seat, and the play seemed to drag because all I could think about was my comfort. The only reason I will be sitting here again is because even at £10 (which is what my mum paid) it is a steal of a price."   In the central blocks at top price, the price reflects the view, for those wanting prime seats, pick rows G and H first - an opinion endorsed by a reader.  For the rest of rows D to R, all seats in these rows offer at least fair value for money. Reader HB reports, "E 43 and 44: They were good value and we could see brilliantly." Another reader says, "K43:  had to keep twisting and turning to get a little relief from the pain I was feeling in my sitting-down region." while another adds, "F40 in the stalls. As ever the seat was perfect, very comfortable and I felt very much part of the action." Reader Bas notes, "Row H 41and 42. The seats were good value, the view was excellent. I can't complain." Away from G and H, either choose rows J to R in alphabetical order at top price with a central view but further from the stage or explore circle seats rows A and B seats 33 to 51 - though be aware of the sound problems that occasionally emerge there.  In row L, regular Theatremonkey seat opinion contributor James says, "Sat in L35 and L36.  Excellent rake ensured a great view." A reader says, "M27. View is very clear (I think no matter where you sit in the National you will have very clear view). And you are close to the stage. Legroom is very good. Very good seat.” Regular seat conniseur James reports, "O21 and 22 for “War Horse” (December 2008).  An excellent rake and an expansive stage ensured a fantastic view." The side stalls are cheaper (except for previews, when you should try for central block seats at the same price), so if considering sitting here, try row D and E 4 to 6, 54 to 56, rows F and G 5 to 7, 53 to 55, H 6 to 8, 52 to 54, J 5 to 8, 52 to 55, K and L 6 to 9, 51 to 54 and M 7 to 10 and 50 to 53 first. Closeness to the stage compensates for not having a central view. Also consider the Dress Circle row A 11 to 22 and 62 to 73, and B and C 12 to 23 and 61 to 72. Of the rest of the side stalls, these seats all offer a clear view of the stage. Be aware that there is a wall at the edge of the sections next to the centre block. Some people may find this (and the bar set into it) annoying, most don't though. Best value seats are those mentioned above, the others are acceptable, but theatremonkey rules that the Dress Circle seats mentioned are better since the viewing angle is more comfortable for the same money. It is worth avoiding seats 1, 2, 58 and 59 in all rows if possible, as they are, comparatively, the worst value. If you must take these numbers, choose row M then L, K and J to provide the best overview of the stage possible. Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James reports, "Sat in Stalls J51 and J52 for “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” (January 2009). Tickets were only £15 as it was a preview and at this price they were very favour – especially as the performance is only 65 minutes. The view is good from here, particularly as the performance makes use of the revolve which often makes the performers closer to the sides of the theatre."   For the "Travelex £10 season" each Spring / Summer: Rows A to C in the centre block are £10. Feel free to look elsewhere first. Both rows B and C are O.K., with C slightly better, being a little further back (less neck ache), but unless you like sitting close in, try exploring the side stalls blocks first - they may well offer a good alternative.  Regular contributor Sam opines, "Stalls A30. (Galileo, June 2006). For £10 only this seat is always value for money, unless they put a wall in front of you, lol. But, I will try to review it in "absolute terms". The seat is obviously very close to the stage, and you get to see the facial expressions remarkably well. The actors are SO close to you, which is really, really great. The opportunity to see Simon Russell Beale from such close proximity alone is worth more than that £10. You will have however some ache. In my case it was back ache, but it wasn't that horrible. Legroom is also adequate. Not great, but not cramped either (I am about 5' 10.) In balance, I would say front of Dress Circle for the £10 season is better, but I would take this front seat before the very back of the theatre, unless your neck and/or back are very sensitive. And even though I never sat there, but I think the monkey is spot on to make row C green." The only monkey comment is that sound can be an issue in the front of the Dress Circle at times. another adds, "B25: Great view on a student's £5 entry pass ticket. VERY uncomfortable. I was squirming in my seat, and the play seemed to drag because all I could think about was my comfort. The only reason I will be sitting here again is because even at £10 (which is what my mum paid) it is a steal of a price." If you choose this route, pick row D and E 5 to 7 and 53 to 55 and rows F and G 6 to 8 and 52 to 54 first. These side stalls offer fair value for money, with closeness to the stage compensating for not having a central view. The monkey notes they are now a little more expensive than previously, though, making the "average" rating a tad lower in its mind... Also consider the Dress Circle row A 15 to 69, and B and C 16 to 68, though the Dress Circle has been known to have a sound problem on occasion, when microphones are not used. Sadly, one reader reports a problem with the sound in the side stalls too... Reader Bas notes, "Major Barbara:" Row H 41and 42. The seats were good value, the view was excellent. I can't complain." A reader says, "K43:  had to keep twisting and turning to get a little relief from the pain I was feeling in my sitting-down region." In row L, regular Theatremonkey seat opinion contributor James says, "Sat in L35 and L36.  Excellent rake ensured a great view." A reader says, "M27. View is very clear (I think no matter where you sit in the National you will have very clear view). And you are close to the stage. Legroom is very good. Very good seat.” Other side block seats are acceptable. Theatremonkey notes that the Dress Circle seats mentioned offer a more comfortable viewing angle for some, for the same money - though bear potential sound problems in mind.  In the side block, theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James reports, "Sat in Stalls J51 and J52: The view is good from here, particularly if the performance makes use of the revolve which often makes the performers closer to the sides of the theatre." Returning to the rest of the central block, these seats are the only ones priced at more than £10...£27.50, to be exact. If you want a prime view and are willing to pay, feel free says the monkey. It would, though, note that the central block front rows of the circle are much cheaper, so for a central view they are an alternative to the back few rows of the stalls...your call! Reader "Barfly" notes: "Sat in stalls seat M12 at the end of the stalls and I love the rake! Nice and steep, so it doesn't really matter if you get a tall guy in front of you - I only had to move because his head was in the way once. Also, because of the way the theatre's angled, there was nobody sitting directly behind me. If I moved it didn't obscure anyone else, hurrah!" __________________________ Legroom is about adequate for most in all seats, some taller people find it cramped, though. DRESS CIRCLE  Called the CIRCLE in this theatre. There is only one circle in this auditorium, so nothing overhangs it. The Circle is split into a centre and two side blocks by aisles. A quirk of architecture means the circle has more seats than the stalls below. The rake is very steep from row D back, and from the ends of rows F and G the feeling is of being at the back of a Roman theatre. You are looking into rather than onto the stage as the curved shape feels like you are peering down a cone. The side blocks particularly suffer the Roman amphitheatre cone effect - noticeable in row G seats 1 to 10 and 73 to 83 especially. Some vertigo sufferers in particular will feel they should take stalls rows A to C first.  A reader says, "D10. View is very clear. No complaints whatsoever. However, it felt just little bit far. Legroom is very good. For £10 only, a bargain” Further along, someone else agrees, "D20. Very good clear view of the stage. In a longer show, seats are comfortable and spacey enough not to get too distracted." Reader Alun comments, "Circle E15 16 Seating: was O.K. except you feel very high up and the stage looks like you are hovering above it."   For productions outside the Travelex £10 season, including "London Assurance: The centre block offers fair value in the top priced rows A to D. Choose your row in alphabetical order. Be aware that there are posts at the ends of rows - some may wish to avoid aisle seats, though the monkey didn't really find a problem.  At second price, pick side block row A 11 to 22 and 62 to 73, and B and C 12 to 23 and 61 to 72. before choosing centre block row E. Next, take the rest of rows B and C in the side blocks before resorting to Rows F and G centre, which are a very long way from the stage for the money.  Centre block rows F and G in particular are poor value at second  price, considering the distance from the stage. Save up to £21 by picking the seat numbers noted below for fourth price side block circle row G (roughly similar views for less cash); or the front stalls if you don't object to a lack of armrests. In the side blocks, until 22nd March 2010 at second price take A 11 to 22 and 62 to 73, and B and C 12 to 23 and 61 to 72, then centre block row E, then the edges of rows A to C in alphabetical order or row D 12 to 23 and 60 to 71, before settling for the rest of side block row D. From 29th March 2010, the National Theatre have realised just how good those seats just over the aisle really are... and raised row A seats 19 to 24 and 60 to 65; B and C 20 to 25 and 59 to 64 and D 21 to 26 and 58 to 63 to top price. Still seats the monkey likes, and would happily pay for (the two near the aisle safety rails less so, but otherwise, fine). Then, at second price take A 11 to 22 and 62 to 73, and B and C 12 to 23 and 61 to 72, then centre block row E, then the edges of rows A to C in alphabetical order or row D 12 to 23 and 60 to 71, before settling for the rest of side block row D. Make sure, if taking rows A to D, that you try for the seats as near the top price ones as possible, to maximise your value for money. Ignore third price seats in the side block. They are not especially poor value, but to save money row G seats 17 to 25 and 59 to 70, sold at bottom price, offer a similar view for less cash. At bottom price be prepared for the Roman amphitheatre cone effect particularly noticeable in row G seats 1 to 10 and 73 to 83. Before paying bottom price for the back of the Dress Circle though, consider stalls row C too. They are closer to the stage for the same money, but less comfortable and potentially neck ache inducing. A choice worth pondering if you want a close-up of the performers though, feels the monkey. Reader Hannah M comments, "G68 in the circle. I booked last minute and it was one of the few seats available. I generally don’t like sitting in the circle but for £10 the seat was excellent. The rake is really steep, meaning you can see perfectly over everyone. Even from this distance, I still felt very caught up in the action and didn’t miss a thing. Definitely worth going with these seats if only £27.50 ones are left in the stalls." For previews, all seats in the centre block, plus all seats in rows A to D of the side blocks are the same top price. Choose the usual seat numbers in centre block rows A to E first , then side blocks A to D as close to centre as possible (considering aisle bars, of course). Some comment that sound in the Circle can be a problem if there are no microphones in use. The monkey has not noticed this personally, but if you are sensitive, the stalls may be a better choice. For the "Travelex £10 season" each Spring / Summer: Some comment that sound in the Circle can be a problem if there are no microphones in use. One reader reports that for the 2005 season things were inaudible in row B at the extreme ends. The monkey has not noticed this personally, but if you are sensitive, the centre stalls may be a better choice. Seats are sold at two prices, with central block rows A, B and C at a little more than all the rest. With the increased price and potential sound issues, the monkey rates these as average. Bearing in mind potential problem with sound, you may wish to be closer to the sides than the central seat in the block if your hearing isn't the greatest... and save money into the bargain. Of the rest of the seats, all at the lowest price, it would pick EITHER row D 30 to 55 OR row A 15 to 24 and 60 to 69, B and C 16 to 25 and 59 to 68 first. It would follow that with row E centre, then the remainder of A to E at the sides, then rows F and G. In all cases  your choice is either centre or sides first, depending on your hearing and the National's amplification policy. All seats in rows E to G though are a very long way from the stage for the same money. Some may feel that the front stalls rows A to C may be preferable if only circle E to G are left. At the back of the circle, the side blocks particularly suffer the Roman amphitheatre cone effect - noticeable in row G seats 1 to 10 and 73 to 83 especially. Some vertigo sufferers in particular will feel they should take stalls rows A to C first. ________________ Theatremonkey became addicted to the Royal National Theatre in seat B4 so say hi to the hairy guy when he is in residence. Legroom is adequate in all seats for all but the tallest.   Notes Total 1160 seats. Air-conditioned auditorium. Audio described and signed performances regularly. Headset system available. Guide dog sitter available. All printed information available in large print, on tape and in Braille. Minicom at the box office. Access to Olivier is level from the lift. Free car parking in centre car park for orange badge holders (get endorsement stamp at information desk). Lifts from car parks to all levels. Adapted toilets (unisex, sadly) throughout theatre. Fuller details from www.nationaltheatre.org.uk, the theatre on 020 7452 3000 (Minicom 020 7452 3009) or Artsline 020 7388 2227. A "venue access guide" from the team who created book "Theatremonkey, A Guide to London's West End," is available to download in PDF format by clicking here. Food buffet restaurant at stalls level, coffee shop and formal restaurant in complex. Ice cream and confectionery from vendors just outside auditorium. Bars at Stalls and Circle level. Toilets in Stalls and Circle, two gents and two ladies. Unisex disabled toilet at stalls level.

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Getting to this Theatre

Find this theatre on a Street Map

Nearest Underground Station

Buses

Car Park

Nearest Underground Station: Waterloo - Bakerloo Line (brown), Jubilee Line (silver gray), Northern Line (black). Also a main line station. Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below: A PHOTOGRAPH ILLUSTRATED VERSION of this walking route is available by clicking here. For mobility impaired audience members, the Society of London Theatre provide a "photo map" - illustrated walking route to this venue from a near landmark and also Waterloo Station (the nearest fully accessible station) on their website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk, via the theatre's listing page on that site.   This station has multiple exits, not clearly marked, so be careful! The best route is as follows: Follow the exit signs marked "South Bank" and / or "Shell Exit" and / or "York Road Exit" from the platform to the surface. All lead to the same place! Leave the station and you will be on York Road. Turn to your left, and walk past the Lloyds / TSB Bank. Ahead to your left is a huge silver steel rectangle. No, the monkey does not know what it is either. To the left of it, and behind, is a pedestrian passageway called "Sutton Walk"; which goes under a bridge. Take it. At the end is a fountain ahead of you. You are now on "Concert Road Approach". Turn to your left. The Royal Festival Hall is ahead of you. Walk towards it.  Facing it (note the cafe in front of you) - stand on this paved area (Belvedere Road) and turn to your right. A roadway and bridge are ahead of you. Cross the roadway, walk under the bridge.  On the other side of the bridge, the Royal National Theatre is ahead of you to the left. Also to your left is a roadway. Walk along it to the end. Turn right at the corner (another cafe is to your right)- if open, you can slip in via this entrance).  Otherwise, go straight on, as the entrance is in the centre of the building, beyond the round sculpture ahead of you. The Olivier Theatre is at the third level inside the building to the left. ___________ If you have the misfortune to leave the station by the "Waterloo Road" exit, fear not. You can either walk through Waterloo mainline station and leave by the York Road exit, or take this route - CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY. On leaving the glass doors, turn left. Walk to the corner, and turn left into "Mepham Street". Walk all the way to the end of it, avoiding the temptation to go under any bridges. At the end of the street is York Road. Cross it. Ahead of you, to the left, is "Sutton Walk", the pedestrian road under the bridge. Take it. At the end is a fountain ahead of you. You are now on "Concert Road Approach". Turn to your left. The Royal Festival Hall is ahead of you. Walk towards it.  Facing it (note the cafe in front of you) - stand on this paved area (Belvedere Road) and turn to your right. A roadway and bridge are ahead of you. Cross the roadway, walk under the bridge.  On the other side of the bridge, the Royal National Theatre is ahead of you to the left. Also to your left is a roadway. Walk along it to the end. Turn right at the corner (another cafe is to your right).  Go straight on, as the entrance is in the centre of the building, beyond the round sculpture ahead of you. The Olivier Theatre is at the third level inside the building to the left. ___________ Another visitor suggest this route: Take the tube to the Embankment station and walk across the Hungerford  footbridge to the south bank, then walk past Festival Hall complex and under Waterloo Bridge. The Royal National Theatre is ahead of you to the right.  Noted are the " Gorgeous views both up and down river on a good day or evening.". The monkey endorses this comment, especially at twilight!

Buses: 1, 4, 68, X68, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501, 502, 513 to Waterloo Bridge. Get off on the Bridge and look for the large advertising board on the roof of the National Theatre, facing the Thames. Take the stairs on this side of the bridge down to the ground. A safe crossing of the bridge can be made by taking the stairs down to first level and walking under it on a walkway linking the staircases either side of the bridge. On the correct side staircase, leave it, turn to your right. The entrance is in the centre of the building, beyond the round sculpture ahead of you. The Olivier Theatre is at fourth level inside the building.

Car Park Under the theatre. Take the elevators in the centre of the car park to the correct level. Theatremonkey advises parking near the exit ramps for a fast getaway after the show, and strongly recommends you note the compass point, colour band and number of the nearest pillar you park by. Banquo's ghost has nothing on the haunted souls who wander the underground space, wailing for their transport each night. Some have been there since the place opened in the 1970's. April 2007: Save on evening car parking with a 'Saver Carnet.' Buy six car park tickets in advance for the reduced price of £35 (normally £42). Valid for one year, each ticket allows entry and exit from the Car Park from 5pm Monday to Saturday, or at any time on Bank Holidays. To purchase a 'saver carnet,' contact Olu Akinyemi on 020 7620 0397. top

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Performance Times

Ticket Prices

Where to Buy Tickets

Seating Plan

Seat Opinions

Getting Here

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