National Theatre - The Olivier Theatre
From British Theatre Directory, 1976
The Olivier Theatre is named after Lord Olivier (the first artistic director of the National Theatre from 1963 to 1973 and now consultant to the Board).
It has an open stage, seats 1160 in two tiers, and the auditorium gives a bowl-like configuration focused on the stage.
As is customary with open stages, little or no scenery need to be used to set the scene, it being possible simply to extend visually the walls of the auditorium to meet the acting area.
However, unlike other open stages, there exist 3 systems by which scenic effects can be created.
First there is a fly tower in which scenery of almost any size or shape can be flown - 3 dimensional scenery at any angle to the audience.
Second, built scenes can be moved on wagons to the acting area from storage areas behind the stage.
Third, there is the floor of the acting area itself, a disc which can revolve and is split into two sections either of which can sink into the service areas below to be replaced by a third disc which, complete with scenery and actors, rises to replace the former scene.
The stage lighting installation is designed to cope with intensive repertoire.
The comprehensive sound system has additional provision for deaf-aid loop, simultaneous translation, and closed circuit television as well for standard facilities for sound effects.
The Olivier is where the NT company will appear continuously, staging a year round repertoire
Stage Machinery at the Olivier Stage
Selected Past Productions
- His Dark Materials
- Frankenstein
- War Horse
- Oklahoma! (15th July 1998 – 3 October 1998)
- The Romans in Britain (16 October 1980 - 24 March 1981)
- Othello (20 June 1980 - 9 April 1981)
- Sisterly Feelings (3 June 1980 - 5 February 1981) by Alan Ayckbourn
- Man and Superman (22 January 1981 - 5 September 1981)
- The Life of Galileo (13 August 1980 - 3 October 1981)
- Amadeus (2 November 1979 - 4 June 1981)
- Playboy of the Western World (5 October 1976 - ) [in rep]
- Tamburlaine the Great (4 October 1976 - ) [in rep] Directed by Peter Hall in the newly opened (but still unfinished) Olivier theatre. Starring Albert Finney. Set by John Bury.
Backstage:
Exhibits from this venue in the Backstage Heritage Collection
Links to information about equipment at National Theatre - The Olivier Theatre over the years
- Lightboard (Strand)
Documents
Lightboard Stalls Remote
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Lightboard Stalls Remote
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Lightboard Stalls Remote - Rear Detail
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Mentions of National Theatre - The Olivier 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.
