National Theatre (Dorfman)

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

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.

Staying nearby

The nearest hotels to the National Theatre (Dorfman), for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.

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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.

Bars

3

Dorfman foyer/auditorium · Stalls · Circle

Cloakroom

£1.50

Dorfman foyer (ground floor)

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

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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.

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