National Theatre - The Lyttelton Theatre
Proscenium arch conventional theatre within the National Theatre complex on London's South Bank.
Opened: March 1976 (the first auditorium in the National Theatre complex to open)
Seating Capacity: 890 in two tiers
From British Theatre Directory, 1976:
Named after Oliver Lyttelton (Lord Chandos), the first chairman of the National Theatre Board (suceeded in 1971 by Sir Max Rayne).
The proscenium is adjustable in width from 9m (the width of the original proscenium at the Old Vic) to 13.6m, and in height from 5m to 9m.
The stage surface itself is a large elevator which can be set at different rakes from flat to 1:8.
The front section of the stage can be lowered to form an orchestra pit for up to 20 musicians.
Behind and to one side of the main stage are side stages from which complete sets of scenery can be moved onto the main stage.
The conventionally shaped fly tower has a full set of lines for flying scenery with, later, the additional facility of powered control.
The main purpose of this machinery and equipment in both the Olivier and Lyttelton theatres is to allow rapid changeover from one production to another from day-to-day or from matinee to evening - a big advantage when playing repertoire. When the entire building is finished the Lyttelton will be used by the NT Company for seasons of new plays or seasons built around a theme.
British regional theatres and theatres from abroad will also be invited to use it regularly.
Website: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/your-visit/venues-at-the-national-theatre/lyttelton-theatre/
Past Productions
- Here We Are (2025)
- The Lehman Trilogy (7 April – 20 October 2018)
- Network (November 2017 - 24 March 2018) starring Bryan Cranston
- Angels in America (April - August 2017)
- Ugly Lies the Bone (March - June 2017)
- The Red Barn (6 October 2016 to 17 January 2017)
- The Light Princess (October 2013 - January 2014)
- Afterlife (11 June 2008 - ?) by Michael Frayn
- Jerry Springer: The Opera (April 2003 - August 30 2003 in rep) Transferred to Cambridge Theatre in October 2003
- My Fair Lady (March - July 2001) Transferred to Theatre Royal Drury Lane in July 2001
- Noises Off (2000)
- Carousel (December 1992 to March 1993) Transferred to Shaftesbury Theatre in September 1993
- The Caretaker (11 November 1980 - 14 March 1981)
- The Provok'd Wife (28 October 1980 - 18 May 1981)
- Watch on the Rhine (16 September 1980 - 23 February 1981) by Lillian Hellman
- The Elephant Man (15 July 1980 - 6 June 1981) by Bernard Pomerance
- The Browning Version / Harlequinade (13 May 1980 - 21 March 1981)
- Weapons of Happiness (8 October 1976 - ) [in rep]
- Jumpers (4 October 1976 - ) [in rep]
- Blithe Spirit (2 October 1976) [in rep]
Changing Sets in the Lyttelton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k03bpsktHbk
Links to information about equipment at National Theatre - The Lyttelton Theatre over the years
- Lightboard (Strand)
Documents
LSI: High Praise for Carousel Sound (January 1993)
[399kb External Website]
From Lighting & Sound International
Mentions of National Theatre - The Lyttelton Theatre in indexed documents
In 2024, Richard Pilbrow's glorious book A Sense Of Theatre was published, which documents in incredible detail the history, technology and evolution of this wonderful building.
We are proud to be sponsored by A Sense of Theatre – click below to find out more about this amazing book.
