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National Theatre

  • Address: South Bank Arts Centre, Belvedere Rd., South Bank, London, SE1
  • Phone: 020/7452-3000
  • www.nt-online.org

Fodor's Review:

When this theater opened in 1976 Londoners generally felt the same way about this low-slung, multilayered "Brutalist" block the color of heavy storm clouds and designed by Sir Denys Lasdun that they would feel a decade later about the Barbican Centre. But whatever its merits or demerits as a feature on the landscape, the Royal National Theatre has wonderful interior spaces that 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 in repertoire. An adventurous ticketing scheme means some National Theatre performances can be seen for as little as £10. Free performances outside in summer are also worth catching.

  • Cost: Tour £5
  • Open: Foyer Mon.-Sat. 10 AM-11 PM; 1-hr tour of theater backstage Mon.-Sat. 10:15, 12:30, and 5:30
  • Tube: Waterloo
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