National Theatre (Dorfman)
OFF West End
Inner London

National Theatre (Dorfman)

Capacity400 Seats
Seating Tiers1 Level
Venue SizeSmall

About The Venue

The Dorfman Theatre, formerly the Cottesloe, is the most intimate and flexible of the National Theatre's three auditoriums on the South Bank. Renamed in 2015, it features a highly adaptable thrust stage, fostering a close connection between performers and audience. It is renowned for showcasing new writing, experimental productions, and smaller-scale works, playing a crucial role in the National Theatre's innovative programming.

Seating

The Dorfman Theatre is a highly adaptable black box space, meaning its seating configuration changes significantly with each production. It can accommodate up to 400 people. Seating is typically arranged in steeply raked banks, often on retractable bleachers or temporary structures, allowing for various layouts including end-on, thrust, in-the-round, or traverse. This flexibility ensures an intimate experience, bringing the audience close to the action. Views are generally excellent due to the steep rake, which helps to ensure clear sightlines over the heads of those in front. However, the specific view can vary greatly depending on the production's set design and the chosen configuration; some seats might offer a more oblique view or momentary obstructions depending on the staging and actor positions in non-traditional setups. Legroom is generally adequate, but as with most theatres, it can feel more compact in the middle of longer rows. Aisle seats typically offer slightly more comfort. There are no fixed 'restricted view' seats in the traditional sense, but the dynamic nature of the space means that specific set pieces or staging choices for a particular show could occasionally lead to a less-than-perfect view from certain angles.

Toilets

Gents and Ladies: Stalls and Circle levels. Accessible: Dorfman foyer and Stalls level.

Bars

Cafe/bar in Dorfman foyer/auditorium; Bars at Stalls and Circle levels.

Cloakroom

Dorfman foyer (ground floor); Open one hour before performances; £1.50 per item (free for access equipment/medical supplies).

Box Office

Dorfman foyer (ground floor), open one hour before performances.

Stage Door

On Stage Door Avenue, on the east side of the National Theatre, near the Dorfman entrance.

Location

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National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

Directions

The National Theatre (Dorfman) is located on the South Bank. The nearest Tube station is Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines), which is approximately a 5-7 minute walk. Waterloo East is the nearest Overground station, also a short walk away. Numerous bus routes stop on Waterloo Bridge, Stamford Street, and Waterloo Road, all within easy walking distance.

At this Venue