National Theatre

The National Theatre on London's South Bank is one of the most prestigious theatre companies in the world. It originally operated from the Old Vic Theatre until Denys Lasdun's extraordinary building complex on the South Bank was finished until 1977, featuring three distinct spaces: the 1,160-seat Olivier Theatre; the 890-seat Lyttleton and the 400-seat Cottesloe. In 2013 the NT embarked on a major refurbishment, which includes improving the Cottesloe's technical features and accessibility and renaming it the Dorfman, after a generous donor. Between March 2013 and spring 2014, a temporary space called The Shed houses smaller shows.

The NT is famous for its original productions, with a mixture of six or seven new plays and classics in the repertory at any given time. Its world premieres include The Madness of George III, Copenhagen, Jerry Springer: The Opera and One Man, Two Guv'nors.

There are many cafes and bars, and normally two restaurants: Mezzanine is a bistro and Terrace Bar & Food offers tapas-style dining, but if you're visiting in the summer don't miss the Propstore, a pop-up restaurant made using recycled sets and props from previous productions.

There are exhibition and lecture rooms and areas available for private hire, and the bookshop is outstanding.