National Theatre London, United Kingdom

The Royal National Theatre (generally known as the National Theatre) in London is one of the United Kingdom's three most prominent publicly funded performing arts venues, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House. Internationally, it is known as the National Theatre of Great Britain.

From its foundation in 1963 until 1976, the company was based at the Old Vic theatre in Waterloo. The current building is located next to the Thames in the South Bank area of central London. In addition to performances at the National Theatre building, the National Theatre company tours productions at theatres across the United Kingdom.

Since 1988, the theatre has been permitted to call itself the Royal National Theatre, but the full title is rarely used. The theatre presents a varied programme, including Shakespeare and other international classic drama; and new plays by contemporary playwrights. Each auditorium in the theatre can run up to three shows in repertoire, thus further widening the number of plays which can be put on during any one season.

In June 2009, the theatre began National Theatre Live (NT Live), a programme of simulcasts of live productions to cinemas, first in the United Kingdom and then internationally. The programme began with a production of Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren, which was screened live in 70 cinemas across the UK. NT Live productions have since been broadcast to over 1,000 venues in 35 countries around the world.

The NT had an annual turnover of approximately £87 million in 2012–13, of which earned income made up 80% (55% from ticket sales, and 14% as revenue from the restaurants, bookshops, etc.). Support from Arts Council England provided 20% of income, and the remaining 7% came from a mixture of companies, individuals, trusts and foundations.

The National Theatre stages over 20 productions a year, ranging from new plays to classics from the world repertoire, in its three theatres on London's South Bank; it transfers shows to the West End as well as touring productions around the UK and internationally. With a commitment to openness, wide-reaching engagement and access for everyone, the National broadcasts live performances to cinema screens all over the world through the National Theatre Live programme, as well as offering extensive learning and public engagement programmes and rich digital resources.

Founded in 1963 with Laurence Olivier as its first director, the National Theatre has staged over 800 productions and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013. The NT is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
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