The Royal National Theatre, or the “NT” as it’s known amongst Londoners, is one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, and a powerhouse of theatre making for the nation.
Its eclectic architecture – the layer on concrete layer style of brutalist modern aesthetics – looks like an Escher painting and is spectacularly lit at night with bright neon colours, illuminating the skyline above the Thames River.
Much of the work produced by the National Theatre is so poplar it transfers to the West End, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy something here as there are a great range of show on at any one time. It’s a homeland for classical and historical theatre, as well as a bold champion of new plays and voices from Britain and abroad. It’s a place buzzing with energy – it has three different theatre spaces, all with their own programme of work, from intimate studio pieces to large scale auditorium works. Trying to find your way around at first is like working your way out of a maze, but that adds to the fun, and means that there are several bars to explore throughout the venue.
Personally, my favorite time in the National Theater’s programme is during summer (usually July) when their Inside Out festival runs. The National Theater’s outside spaces become transformed into theatrical spaces, pop up bars and more. I love the festival’s “Watch This Space” area right on the Southbank, which showcases all sorts of interesting street performance and outdoor work, from circus to children’s theater and craft. It’s perfect for chilling in the sun, and allowing yourself to be surprised with each new performance that takes the stage.
The National Theater Live channel also streams some of their shows online, which is a good way to check out what kind of work they make before you arrive in the city!
