Royal National Theatre in Lambeth

One of the ugliest buildings in London.

Great place. Great performances

Not keen on the external 60s style building. The seating arrangments in the loung areas Leave a lot to be desired. The internal theatre is fabulous with comfortable seating,easy to locate seats.

A great part of theatrical culture, The National has excellent facilities, even if the signage is bonkers. Lovely staff, great drama.

Lovely theatre, very welcoming and friendly staff. My only gripe was the restaurant. I felt as if we'd been mugged. The cost was ridiculous and whilst the staff were polite and the food ok,( except the cabbage which was inedible ) for the price paid, I'd have expected gold plates. Compare and contrast with Albert Hall. Much better

A very good theatre, good acoustics. We saw Nye which was spectacular.

Last minute tickets for Nye - really excellent portrayal of his life and battle fir the foundation of the NHS

Brutalist 60s concrete theatre complex on the South Bank. Extensive public spaces with cafes, exhibitions and live music. Tickets are generally cheaper than the West End with a more eclectic mix of productions

Wonderful theatre. In the heart of Southbank and very close to London Waterloo or Charing Cross. Wonderful shop on the ground floor as well.

Fantastic venue, helpful staff lots of events and shows for everyone

Hasn't the time to attend 'Nye' but enjoyed the tour of the National Theatre. The layout of the theatre itself really opens itself to the tour, as well as the information panels around the place. Beautiful purpose-built auditoria.

We watched ‘Nye’. The lead was amazing despite being the understudy. The ensemble cast were completely engaging. Strong performances from all and a musical number that I was not expecting! Great venue. Not too much queuing (ladies loo). Easy to access bars and seating areas

One of the great theatres of London and the world, on the popular South Bank with a nice view of the river.

Great carpark in a central location. The staff are always so friendly. The theatre has clean toilets, a good cafe and plenty of seating spaces for waiting.

All three theatres here are great.

Both Olivier and Dorfman theatres are great.

Always a brilliant show, even for young people because you can get discounted tickets!

My son is blind doing MA Performing Arts, he attended a workshop shop and performance of Nye. He was completely welcomed, heard, respected as an equal, his talents and abilities in focus. The other students were completely inclusive and looking to him for his ideas. Run by the assistant director of Nye, the she generated a wonderful atmosphere and gelled the group subtly and super effectively. The workshop was excellent and the performance, with audio description, received a well deserved standing ovation. These are clearly very talented, dedicated and experienced professionals. And it was all for free to support those with less means. Really enjoyable and meaningfully informative.

watched NYE. Micheal sheen is one of the best actors, the other members of the cast were fantastic as well. comfy seats, good view.

Absolutely fantastic. Went to see Nye and was blown away.

Dated concrete theatre. Friendly staff, pricey, good variety, close to Royal Festival Hall, Heywood gallery, and South back center.

Great place to visit on southbank

Great space. Use Just Park to reserve a parking space. Very central for a lot of popular London attractions

This was massively overpriced: 2 Course set menu+ Carafe of wine+ coffees+ £16 Service Charge for 2 people= £144. Service was good and food was good but for £72 per head I expect better....or offer cheaper food and wine choices for pre theatre menu. I won't be going back next month when I will be at the National again for a friend's 80th birthday. Pity, as the location is excellent.

Great quality and interesting pre-theatre menu (with al a carte menu option too) - with well executed range of dishes. Service was excellent, and despite the 'pre-theatre' booking, was never rushed. Good (if steep) selection of wines buy the glass. Good atmosphere. If looking for ideal seating experience request window view onto South Bank (limited to 4-5 tables). Good interior design and complemented the fantastic concrete brutalism - with beatified wood grain panelling spectacularly on how, contrasted with the 'smooth' concrete cube-like ceiling. Plenty of clientele to observe too. Overall, eat here for interesting and well-executed menu, and appreciate the subtle brutal architecture and well-off oldies close up :)

I went to The Olivier Theatre on Thursday night to see Nye. It was an early evening performance starting at 6:30pm. I was keen to see Mr Sheen perform the title role and all the reviews I heard about the play were generally good ones. Given the plays subject matter it’s prevalent to the now, educates the audience and highlights the importance of the NHS. Michael Sheen’s performance was good. What wasn’t so good was waiting nearly an hour at the stage door along with many other excited fans after the performance. Hoping to catch a glimpse, a brief chat and maybe a photo and a signature on the programmes we were clutching. It put a bit of a damper on the evening being a fan of Mr Sheen, to be told he wasn’t coming out and he left via the front of the theatre was disappointing. It’s a good play. Just a shame what happened after the performance.

Rather ugly architecture but great theatre spaces and very high quality productions. (Fun gift shop, too.)

Loved it, great play, good facilities

One of my favourite places to go to the theatre. Even better now with the public spaces used better and the various outside spaces like the Kerb bar etc. I have never been to a mediocre production here. All three theatres are well-designed for a good audience experience.

Great atmosphere and always great productions

Lovely first experience at the NT watching Dear Octopus. As an Actor this is the place I would love to perform one day. Amazing production values.

Lovely place for a coffee while out in London.

Really much better to see the plays here than in the very small WestEnd theatres. I love the building and the atmosphere.

We have been here a couple of times, recently to see Nye, starting Michael sheen. The seating plan is so well designed that you can see pretty good, no matter where you sit... Unless there's a giant sitting in front of you.

It's OK. Bad signage for toilets etc. Everywhere overcrowded in the building.

Excellent value if you're 16-25 who can get £10 tickets and 15s and under can get £5 tickets. The building is very cool if you like brutalist architecture and exposed concrete. All 3 theatres are very impressive in their own ways.

Wow - overpriced mediocrity doesnt come close. £70 for a chicken pie for two - sounds a bit pricey...but I went with it. After all a pie stuffed with chicken and veg, with a nice sauce is a real treat. What I got was closer to Tesco frozen chicken pie - but with less meat in it. I mean - there wa barely a chicken breast in a pie meant for two. I am sorry guys - I dont know what you are thinking - yes cooked quite nicely - I could definitely do better myself though - so not inedible - but £70 for this - it was worth £4.50 at best. Disgraceful.

Externally the building is not much more beautiful. The layout and atmosphere inside make it a pleasant place to relax with a coffee, a book or even work.

Always a treat to catch a show here. I have never been disappointed, such good value. Brilliant production, well staffed, plenty of seating in foyer areas, even the queue for the toilets moved pretty quickly. And to top it all off, right next to the a brilliant view of the Thames in all it's glory. My friend and I had a quick dinner in the ground floor cafe, very nice and convenient.

The building is spectacular, the stages are excellent and they put on an amazing selection of plays. Book early. There is also a selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. I particularly like the Understudy, which is a bar. It has a large outdoor seating area, which is always buzzing on warm summer days.

Just saw the brilliant 'NYE' at the National Theatre. What better venue to showcase this very National story. So interesting to learn more about the man who fought to bring us the NHS, against all the odds. Martin Sheen was incredible and so was the rest of the cast and production. You must see it!

My first ever visit to the National Theatre and was very impressed. The seating was excellent with adequate room for my legs, my view of the stage was excellent. It's true I had a good seat but looking around the theatre it didn't seem like there were any bad seats unlike old theatres. I saw a new play called Nye about Nye Bevan starring Michael Sheene which was superb. A great venue and I will definitely go again.

Great Theatres. I went on an hour tour of the National Theatre. It was very interesting and informative. I didn't realise that there was 3 theatres in there, the largest the Olivier Theatre, which is a Amphitheatre, then the middle the Lyttetton Theatre then the small one in the basement the Dorfman Theatre. You get to see all behind the scenes including the prop room and Workshop. It is so interesting hearing how it all works and how they move the sets around so quickly to put a different performance on of something else. It's well worth the money. Would definitely recommend it to anyone and would definitely visit again. Especially the view of London and the Thames from the top of the Theatre which is open to the public. Lifts on all floors for easy access. Has a cafe and a very nice book shop. Also if you buy a ticket for the tour you can have 10% off in the shop.

A wonderful building and amazingly consistently excellent productions. And do take time to look at the views across London. St Pauls Cathedral looks particularly splendid!

A great play, Nye, put on in a wonderful theatre space.

Translations by Brian Friel - another triumph for the National! Love the new lay out and cafes too.

The best and most reasonable underground carpark in London. Easy to find. Great to book and super handy for the centre of town.

The play was very good but the buildings ares now looking very tawdry.

A building typical of the 1960s. On the south bank. Staff. Helpful and friendly. Performance. Dancing at Lughnasa, very good performance and cast. Highly recommend. Third visit to see Dear Octopus Excellent cast. The children are extremely good. A story about the octopus of family. A surprisingly good family story, the ending of which I did not anticipate at the beginning. Ticket for play but not to visit this example of brutalist architecture.

Always a good place to meet and snack. Not bad for theatre as well.

I had the pleasure of attending the press night of NYE. A well crafted piece of theatre that takes the audience on a journey through the life and times of NYE to the birth of the NHS. With a super talented ensemble cast including Ross Foley...this is a play you should go and see.

We went for lunch. Not cheap. A shared starter, plus two mains and a bottle of wine was £100. Service was ok.

Amazing theatre that never dates. Great atmosphere and fair priced eating makes a great deal.

Depsite promoting pre-and post (11 pm) theatre dining and accepting a reservation (9:00pm) following a 6:30 pm performance in the National Theatre ( where the restaurant is located) they turned us away at 9:25 ( the show started late and there was an extended interval ) saying they closed at 9:15 - despite their promotional materials saying otherwise. They also said, "we have nothing to do with the National Theatre, we are a separate company." I contacted them the following morning and received an apology. However what was for the most part a lovely evening in the theatre turned sour. They have since changed their website to offer only pre-theatre dinners and have amended their announced opening hours to closing at 9:15. Too little, too late I'm afraid.

1.Mediocre service (eg tepid water served at table). 2. Mains (cod, pork, onion tart) were all very good but let down by a dreadful side dish of green veg which would fail a GCSE basic cookery class. 3.Eton mess very poor- something that is easy to make was all wrong. In summary, this needs to get better for the high price charged, and customers should be given a choice over service charge. The automatic 12.5% service charge that is common in London is probably leading to reduced standards.

Some of the reviews regarding atmosphere and food concerned me. Absolutely no need. Really nice ambience. Service with a smile, fabulous food and all in a timely manner. Not cheap, but didn’t expect that in this venue. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay which I didn’t like and it was changed with no fuss and no charge - very impressive. Yasmine was a wonderful hostess and we really appreciated her help with the menu and our choices. I hope the play is as good as our dinner!

Excellent venue and facilities with a diverse range of plays on offer.

Always something interesting happening there. Great to sit and people watch too.

Did a guided backstage tour (£15) which took you to places you wouldn't otherwise get to and gave a lot of interesting information and anecdotes. Good tour lasted 75 mins.

Went to a play that was not so clearly labelled as mime / non verbal (was hidden down in the description) Was very expensive and worst show I've been to sadly Raised with NT and they just responded with tough luck.

We were given a friendly welcome by the reception desk and waiting staff, and our drinks were ordered and delivered quickly. The bar person, I noticed, was efficient and made sure wine glasses were clean. The pork shoulder was good but needed some carbohydrate such as white beans. The prices for the starters were exorbitant and the plate of a few chicory leaves and pear slivers with a creamy sauce scattered over did not reflect its description on the menu. No walnuts or pieces of blue cheese. Difficult too to eat out of a bowl with the runny sauce splashing upwards. The spring greens were described as ‘buttered’ but came in a whiteish sauce that vaguely tasted of celeriac. Again, poorly described. If changes are made to the menu, the customer should be made aware. The only member of staff who didn’t show any sort of acknowledgement with us was the manager, as he took our main course plates away. He carried a pencil behind his ear which did not go with the ambience and calibre of the restaurant. Overpriced and some food was disappointing.

Dull overpriced food, average service, no ambience. After glowing opening reviews saying this was a destination restaurant we suggested it to friends. Embarrassed at the lack of care with service, the eye-watering prices of a la carte and the way in which they were desperate for us and the other occupied table to leave at 10 despite having spent £100 each. The £70 wine we ordered was not chilled. They bid us up to a £90. The starters were unxceptional chicory salad ( supposedly with blue cheese - not in evidence) and a Dorset crab which was a mousse like dish. Both over £15. Our main to share was a chicken pie which was an embarrassment for £55. The pastry was sunken and looked like it had been kept warm under a lamp. The filling was watery with no more than one portion of chicken swimming in the sauce. Our friends steak to share was better at over £80. Add sides to these and you're looking at a lot of cash. Finally the puddings looked very unlike the initial prettily arranged website photos - generally mass manufactured. The food is upmarket pub food at best which is OK at the pre theatre price of £40 for 2 courses. Not acceptable at £80 each plus wine. Moreover bringing the bill without even offering coffee is just rude? As we left we noticed the kitchen staff sat at one of the tables and the door had been locked to stop anyone else coming in - despite official opening hours saying another hour to go. Pre theatre only - if you must, not a destination restaurant.

I love the National Theatre! I really appreciate the low ticket prices. The shows are always beautifully produced and staged. Great value night out

Went to see Nye at the Olivier theatre. Up in the circle but still a great view. Overall a marvellous experience in fantastic surroundings

Great show. Dear Octopus 🐙 ♥️. Well worth seeing.

Wonderful brutalist building which they nearly tore down. Thankfully it is a classic and located on the Thames Path.

But of a warren or corridors, theatres, cinemas. Staff try to help. But lots of things going on. Location closed to Waterloo Station and other stations. Close to nice South Bank vibe and the river of course. Why haven't I been there more often?

Saw The Witches. It was FANTASTIC. True to the original story but updated for modern audiences. The actors were amazing and full of energy, more for adults than children, in my opinion! Theatre was great, spacious seating - loads of leg room. Plenty of toilets, a bar and giftshop and some viewing balcony outside overlooking London. Would recommend.

Loved the pieces I saw at the National Theatre!

One of the best examples of brutalist architecture housing some of the capital's best plays. Great space to chill out, catch a play and grab some tasty food.

Went to see Dear Octopus a Great play and the actors were Brilliant

A gem of a restaurant (Lasdun). Really well cooked food. A lovely atmosphere and attentive and pleasant staff. And all at a reasonable price (for the pre theatre menu). We’ll most certainly be back the next time we visit the National.

We both loved the play Dear Octopus - comfortable seats, loads of toilets, great directions from the guides and delicious coffee too.

Show not really came up to expectations. Very, very crowded.

We saw the witches here we were lucky to get tickets at the last minute it was a wonderful performance the young actors look right and all the singers and dancers were great

Not that great in my eyes some funny points it didn't have to on for as long as it was

Took my class there for a exhibition and screening on the holocaust. Very educational, well planned and presented.

My second home - had a job here when I was 17. I love the place. Saw the magnificent Til The Stars Come Down last week.

Was just hanging out here today. Didn't watch anything. An amazing space.

A really nice space with friendly staff.

The plays!! The Bookshop! Love it!

My partner recommended this as apparently Grace Dent favours it! So had the set meal before seeing a play next door at the National Theatre. For the price, quality, service and ambience thought it was all very good. Even saw a celebrity in the private room so must be the place to go eh? Defo would recommend at approx 40 quid for three courses excluding the vino.

Recommend taking the guided tour, good value for the money! Andrew was a great guide! Perfect way to see behind the scenes before a performance.

What a brilliant place for a pre-theatre meal! The staff couldn't have been more attentive to our every need; one person spotted that my wife was having a little difficulty cutting her large pieces of steamed spring greens into manageable pieces (more from the way she was using the knife than the resistance of the food!) and they brought a steak knife for her which she used most effectively!. The food's not cheap, certainly, but it was exquisite. For starters, my wife had the Dressed Dorset Crab, which was tasty and plentiful, served with warm saffron buns, and I had the Duck and Tamworth terrine, which had just the right amount of firmness, and was served with a smooth burnt pear chutney and lovely soda bread. For main course my wife had the grilled plaice (served on the bone) and I had the Braised Ox cheek (fall-apart, but not mush) , both fantastic. We had a glass of wine each, but were far too full to contemplate the desserts, so that'll have to wait for next time.

Not difficult to locate, the map location should work just fine. Pics: Night view shot from the Waterloo Bridge

Incredible place, recommended by my architect lover

Top theatre with really excellent productions.

Lovely riverside walk and views

When I watched witchers and it was amazing I have never seen the film but loved the show. Seats were comfortable and had a good view from every seat.

Seats here always have a good view and decent comfort with enough leg room to enjoy the fantastic shows on offer!

Incredible sets, amazing performers, friendly and accommodating staff, and the 16-25 discount makes it incredibly accessible

Superb show of The Witches. Incredible value at £20 a ticket for 4 rows back. Said restricted view/narrow seats but absolutely fine for us & don't think we missed anything, seats c14 & c15. Great view & lucky to have booked to see the very last show of the run. First time in the Olivier Theatre & it's such a lovely venue. We thoroughly enjoyed it & will certainly be back 💜🖤💜🖤💜🧙‍♀️🧙

When so much effort has now been put into selling to visitors to the National Theatre expensive food and drink in its various bars, coffee areas, and restaurants you wonder why no one has bothered to pay any attention to its deteriorating interior fabric. The carpets on the stairwells are so worn under foot as to be dangerous. The toilets are overused and undercleaned. The seats in the Olivier Theatre are shabby and neglected. My seat today, for a performance of Roald Dahl's "The Witches", was stained and torn. The less said about the "The Witches" the better. The director must have had his work cut out to find so many kids and adults who could neither sing nor enunciate clearly. The show was badly miked, badly lit and boringly staged. It was where 'am dram' met the hum drum

We went here today to sample the food at @kerbnationaltheatres and in particular the Burgers by @meltdown_cheeseburgers. Hands down a fantastic juicy Burger full of flavour and a nice little kick from the chilli mayo. But,but,but the braised meat loaded fries were by far the best fries I have ever tried, well worth seeking out when in London in the Southbank. www.meltdowncheeseburgers.co.uk check them out.

We saw The Witches. The show was versatile, but the story is somewhat dumb. The National Theatre building was opened in 1976–1977, and it really looks 70’s. Pretty concrete grey. No complaints about The Olivier Theatre scene, though. The seats are good. Ticket sales advised to enter theatre at least half an hour before the beginning of the performance. That was exaggeration. The big crowd came just before the beginning. Wished there were better guiding from the Waterloo station to the theatre. It is not an easy route, and there are hardly any signs.

Comfortable seats and clean. I took my child to see The Witches Fantastic show. It cheered me up. I was having a significant gloomy day, but left the theatre cheerfully. I laughed out loud, the first time in ages. Highly recommend the show, and a top notch venue in a superb location to match. The Southbank Centre is my local place to go. Great for families , teens, couples, the older generation, and for the lone wolf. It’s a safe snd exciting area

Efficient, organised roomy and comfortable theatres. A good balance of both being technical and professional and having a socially responsible community focus.

Wonderful Gecko. The most amazingly relevant piece of theatre for our time.

This theatre is designed perfectly, makes coming and going for each show very easy!

Fabulous creative space steeped in history and the weight of British talent .