Visitors can explore what the National Theatre has to offer this summer, from theatre tours and dining experiences to shows.
Explore Behind The Scenes
With workshops for sets, props and costumes on site, visitors can explore how stories are brought to life by skilled experts of today and tomorrow in the nation's most cutting-edge theatre factory. There is always something different to see at the National Theatre.
Public guided theatre tours take place at 11.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and at 11.30am and noon on Saturday and last for an hour and 15 minutes.
Each guided tour is a unique experience and varies according to what is available on the day.
Led by an expert guide, see what’s being created in the on-site carpentry, props and scenic painting workshops and discover how world-class productions are made.
Visitors can also explore the design and unique features of this renowned building.
Architecture tours of the National Theatre, bring the history of the iconic South Bank building to life. The tour is ideal for anyone with an interest in design, London history, 20th-century architecture and Brutalist buildings and is available as a private group tour of up to 20 people.
You can also book exclusive tours for up to four people. The perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, theatre-lovers or anyone looking for a unique experience.
During London school holidays, family tours are available at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Perfect for seven to 11-year-olds and lasting an hour, they include the chance to play with props and costumes used in previous productions.
All tour bookers can show their tour ticket at the National Theatre Bookshop on the day of the tour and receive a ten per cent discount.
Enjoy Eating Al Fresco
Following the successful opening of Forza Wine at the National Theatre last September, Forza Taps – the new tap bar concept from Forza restaurants – is open for the summer. Forza Taps is open Monday–Sunday on the Weston Terrace, serving ‘on tap’ drinks, alongside the signature ‘Italian-ish’ snack menu.
Forza Wine at the National Theatre is also now open all-day Sundays, 12 noon–11pm, from May to September.
Modern British Dining
Set within the iconic walls of the National Theatre, Lasdun is a modern British restaurant preparing elegant brasserie-style food from seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. A testament to National Theatre architect Denys Lasdun’s visionary modernist design, it offers a beautiful setting for indulging in exquisite meals before catching a world-class performance or relaxing after a walk along the South Bank.
London’s Biggest Free Outdoor Festival
The National Theatre’s free outdoor arts festival – River Stage – returns to the South Bank for its eighth year. Over four weekends in July, some of UK’s leading arts and culture organisations will take over the riverside for unforgettable weekends filled with theatre, music, comedy and more.
This year’s weekend takeovers are by The Glory (5–8 July), Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (12–14 July), Rambert (19–21 July) and the National Theatre (26–28 July).
Essential information
Theatre tours: visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/theatre-tours or email: tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Forza: To book a table, visit forzawine.com or walk-in at Forza Taps.
Lasdun: lasdunrestaurant.com.
What’s on at the National Theatre: nationaltheatre.org.uk/whats-on.