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National Theatre Review

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National Theatre

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd., South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Phone: 020/7452-3000
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Category: Theater
Location: London

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Fodor's Review:

When this theater opened in 1976, Londoners generally felt the same way about the low-slung, multilayered "Brutalist" block the color of heavy storm clouds (designed by Sir Denys Lasdun) as they would feel a decade later about the Barbican Centre. Prince Charles described the building as "a clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London without anyone objecting." But whatever its merits or demerits as a feature on the landscape, the Royal National Theatre's interior spaces are definitely worth a tour. Interspersed with the three theaters, the 1,120-seat Olivier, the 890-seat Lyttelton, and the 300-seat Cottesloe, is a multilayered foyer with exhibitions, bars, and restaurants, and free entertainment. Musicals, classics, and new plays are performed by a top-flight company. Some shows offer £10 ticket deals.

Cost: Tour £5
Open: Foyer Mon.-Sat. 10AM-11PM; 75-min tour backstage up to 6 times daily weekdays, twice on Sat.
Tube: Waterloo

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