The National Theatre was designed by Denys Lasdun and  opened by the Queen in 1976. The idea of a national drama house was first suggested in 1848. Lasdun’s modernist concrete and glass triumph comprises three theatres: the open-stage amphitheatre Olivier (after Laurence Olivier),the proscenium arch Lyttleton and the Cottesloe studio theatre. It includes places to eat and drink, public foyers with free exhibitions, live music, platform events and a bookshop. A national treasure.

Since 1988, the Theatre has been permitted to call itself the Royal National Theatre, but the full title is not used since the appointment of the current Artistic Director in 2003.

Décor: Concrete with wood patterns throughout. Straight, no fuss purple carpet everywhere except Cottesloe which is grey. Tall, sheer glass windows give views north over the Thames.

Capacity: Olivier 1,100, Lyttleton 900, Cottesloe up to 400.