
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.
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Seating
- The Pit
- CirclePremium, elevated views of the whole stage, fully accessible.
- GalleryBest value, high up but surprisingly close thanks to clever design.
The Pit
Occupying the floor of the auditorium, the Pit houses the majority of the audience and features highly customizable seating mounted on automated elevators. This advanced technology allows the space to be reconfigured in under 30 minutes into a steep rake for optimal overhead sightlines, a shallow slope, or folded away entirely to create a flat floor.
Sitting here offers an incredibly intimate and intense connection to the performers, though because the layout changes per production, the physical location of 'Row A' will vary depending on the play. Thanks to a major refurbishment, these seats are exceptionally comfortable and provide generous legroom, with step-free wheelchair spaces seamlessly integrated into the design.
Circle
For a hovering, bird's-eye perspective right over the stage action, the Circle wraps tightly around three sides of the rectangular room. Seats facing the stage head-on provide a perfect panoramic view, excellent for appreciating the full set layout and stage floor.
The single row of seats running along the left and right side ledges places you incredibly close to the performance space, albeit at a side-on viewing angle. The entire level is fully accessible via the venue's passenger lift.
Gallery
For budget-conscious bookings, the Gallery is your ideal option as the highest level of the auditorium, mirroring the horseshoe shape of the Circle below. While you are elevated quite high and looking down at a steep vertical angle, the compact scale of the room ensures you never feel genuinely detached from the actors.
Furthermore, the National Theatre's redesign specifically angled the balcony railings backward, which dramatically improved sightlines—particularly for those sitting in the side slots. Like the other levels, the Gallery is easily reached via the venue's passenger elevator.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the National Theatre (Dorfman), for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- Strand Palaceabout 10 min walk
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 15 min walk
- citizenM London Banksideabout 15 min walk
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Facilities
Toilets
Gents and Ladies toilets are on Stalls and Circle levels. Accessible toilets are in the Dorfman foyer and on the Stalls level.
Box office
Located in Dorfman foyer (ground floor), open one hour before performances.
Open one hour before performances. Free for access equipment/medical supplies.
Stage door
On Stage Door Avenue, on the east side of the National Theatre, near the Dorfman entrance.
Location
National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
Getting there
nearest first
- 5–7 min
Waterloo
BakerlooJubileeNorthernWaterloo & City
Bus routes stop on Waterloo Bridge, Stamford Street, and Waterloo Road.
Step-by-step walking 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.







