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.
Rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor since 2015, our guided tours are always the hottest ticket in town, even before the curtain is raised.
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.
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 £12.50 per person.
For more information or to book a Group Guided Tour, contact tours@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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.
Prices
Full price, £15, Student, £13
Disabled/Companion, £13; sign up to our Access List to book.
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.
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.
Family Tours information
Start time
11am – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during UK school holidays – note the start time of 10.30am on Saturday 24 Feb.
There are 20 spaces available per tour (including adults and children).
Prices
Adult £15.00, Child £7.50
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.