Overview of the National Theatre National Theatre

In order to increase access to the National Theatre for those who are blind or visually impaired, the Access Department employs freelance Audio Describers for each production to describe what is happening onstage during live performances.

Watch a set change in the Lyttelton theatre

The Cottesloe Theatre is the smallest and most flexible of the National's three theatres. The theatre can accommodate a number of different seating configurations and is most often used to present newer and more experimental theatre.

Nicholas Hytner gives a tour from the southbank of the river Thames into the National Theatre and through each of the different theatre spaces in the building.

As Director of the National Theatre, Nick Hytner is responsible for all aspects of the building. His prime focus is artistic; the work going on the various stages needs to be programmed and overseen. However, he also has to make sure that all the logistical and administrative areas that are vital to an organisation like the National are running smoothly.

The drum revolve of the Olivier theatre allows quick and dramatic scene changes. Experience a typical scene change using the drum revolve from perspectives in the auditorium, below the stage and on the set itself.