Theatre Tours
Discover secrets behind-the-scenes on one of our tours.
Journey behind the scenes to find out how we make shows come to life on stage.
Each Guided Tour is a unique experience and varies according to what is available on the day. As a busy working theatre, our routes may be altered at short notice, but we can promise that our expert guides will always make it an unforgettable visit.
Tour bookers also receive 10% off in the National Theatre Bookshop. Simply show your tour ticket at the till, valid on the day of your tour.
Reviews
Rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor since 2015, read reviews of our tours on their website to find out why we’re the hottest ticket in town, even before the curtain is raised.
Guided Theatre Tour
Take a guided tour of the National Theatre and discover the secrets of one of the most iconic buildings on the South Bank.
Led by one of our expert guides, our 75-minute tour takes you on a journey behind the scenes to see what’s being made in our on-site carpentry, props and scenic painting workshops, and discover how we create our world-class productions.
You’ll also explore the design and unique features of this renowned building, including our auditoriums.
Guided Theatre Tour information
Times
Public Guided Tours take place at 5pm, Monday–Friday and 12 noon on Saturdays.
Private tours can be arranged at additional times – contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
There are 20 spaces available per tour.
Guided Theatre Tour prices
Full price £18, student £15
Disabled/Companion, £15; sign up to our Access List to book
Group Guided Tours
Bringing ten or more people? Bring the whole team and get discounted tickets or a private tour.
Groups of 10+ get tickets for £13.50 per person.
For more information or to book a Group Guided Tour, contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
If you are bringing 20+ people and wish to arrange catering for your group, either before or after your private tour, let us know and we will happily put you in touch with our Food & Drink team.
Family Tours
Join one of our National Theatre Family Tours, perfect for 7–11 year-olds.
Our 60-minute tour is an ideal way to introduce children to theatre and how it is made.
Visit one of our world-famous theatres, journey behind the scenes to see what’s being created in our on-site workshops and get the chance to play with props and costumes used in previous productions.
Family Tours information
Suitability
The recommended age for this tour is 7-11, and we regret that under-5s will not be permitted. Older children may benefit more from our general Guided Tour.
Start time
11am – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during UK school holidays.
There are 20 spaces available per tour (including adults and children).
Schools tours
School Tours
Recommended for Year 7-10 // KS3
Bring your class on an inspiring journey through iconic theatres, backstage workshops, and the rich history of this cultural landmark. Perfect for aspiring theatre-makers and curious minds, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see how the creative process shapes the final production.
As a working theatre with three auditoriums, as well as ongoing rehearsals and stagecraft, there’s always something exciting happening onsite.
It’s an ideal complement to a National Theatre performance or your studies with the National Theatre Collection.
Preferential rates available for UK state schools.
To book and learn more, email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Careers In Action tour
Recommended for Year 10-12 // KS4
Step behind the curtain and into the world of theatre-making with a ‘Careers in Action’ schools guided tour at the National Theatre.
Learn about the roles, careers and departments it takes to create world-class theatre.
Perfect for aspiring theatre-makers and curious minds alike, it’s an exclusive peek into jobs and careers at the NT. We’ll introduce you to our Young People’s Programme and the training opportunities offered at the NT.
Preferential rates available for UK state schools.
To book and learn more, email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
‘Careers In Action’ backstage tour was co-created by 6th form students from Chadwell Heath Academy.
Tours on Request
Architecture tours
Delve into the architecture of the National Theatre on our special tour, bringing the history of our 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.
Available as a private group tour of up to 20 people, the tour is the perfect experience for design and culture enthusiasts alike.
To find out more and to book a private architecture tour please email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Exclusive Tours
Sweep back the curtains and explore behind the scenes with an intimate backstage tour at the National Theatre. Find out more about our work and see up close how our productions are made.
The perfect birthday, anniversary or gift for theatre lovers or anyone looking for a unique experience.
Specially created for groups of up to four people.
To book this unforgettable experience please email tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Access and tours
If you have specific access requirements, please contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
For the hearing impaired (including hearing aid users) the Contego system, an easy-to-use wireless listening device, is available for use on Guided Tours. Please inform us at the time of booking if you would like to use the Contego system.
Children and tours
Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We regret that we are unable to accommodate children under the age of five on Guided Tours, this includes babies and children in pushchairs.
Whilst tours are generally recommended for ages 12+ (7-11 for Family Tours), if you are interested in bringing a group of younger children, private group tours can be adjusted to suit. Please inform us at the time of booking.
Archive Unboxed: tours
Get hands-on with our history on a National Theatre Archive Unboxed tour.
Monthly tours. Located on The Cut, next to the Old Vic.