National Theatre

Since its opening, the National Theatre on London's South Bank has sparked architectural debate. Architectural historian Mark Girouard called it an "aesthetic of broken forms," reflecting the divided opinions surrounding it. Even modernists were conflicted—Nikolaus Pevsner, a champion of modern architecture, found its exposed concrete oppressive. At the same time, Charles III (then Prince of Wales) famously compared it to "a nuclear power station in the middle of London." However, not all reactions were negative. Poet John Betjeman, usually critical of Brutalist architecture, praised architect Sir Denys Lasdun's design, admiring its beauty from multiple angles.

In 1994, the National Theatre became a Grade II* listed building, and its reputation has shifted. Initially categorized as Brutalist, it is now seen as closer to the modernism of Le Corbusier, with its balance of horizontal and vertical elements. This contrasts favourably with neighbouring buildings like the Hayward Gallery. While it has appeared on both "most popular" and "most hated" lists, recent artistic lighting highlighting its fly towers has been well-received. A key viewing angle from Waterloo Bridge once provided an ideal view of the Olivier Theatre's fly tower and steps, but this sightline is now partially obscured by trees.

The theatre's interior is open to the public, featuring restaurants, bars, a bookshop, and exhibition spaces. Its foyers and riverside forecourt host experimental performances and screenings, particularly during summer. The Clore Learning Centre offers theatre-making workshops covering skills from playwriting to technical design. Actors at the theatre also maintain a charming tradition: on opening and closing nights, they drum on their dressing room windows facing each other across a light well.

Visitors can take backstage tours, gaining insight into the theatre's production workshops for set construction, scenic painting, and prop-making. The Sherling High-Level Walkway, open daily, offers more views of the theatre's behind-the-scenes activities.

The National Theatre complex houses three main stages. The largest, the Olivier Theatre, is named after the National's first artistic director, Laurence Olivier, and seats 1,160 people. Inspired by the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, it features fan-shaped seating and an open stage. Its five-storey "drum revolve" stage allows for quick, fluid scenery changes, a groundbreaking feature when it was designed in the 1970s.

The Lyttelton Theatre, named after the National Theatre's first board chairman, Oliver Lyttelton, has a proscenium arch design and seats 890 people. The smallest venue, the Dorfman Theatre, seats 400 and is the most flexible of the three. It was initially named the Cottesloe Theatre but was renamed in 2014 after philanthropist Lloyd Dorfman following a renovation. Its dark-walled, adaptable design allows for various productions.

In 2013, a temporary venue called The Shed was introduced, later renamed the Temporary Theatre. Painted bright red, it seated 225 people and showcased new and experimental works until it closed in 2016. Actress Katie Leung, who performed at The Shed, chose it as the backdrop for her portrait by artist Carl Randall, memorializing the temporary space through art.

The campaign to establish a National Theatre dates back to 1847 when critics first called for a dedicated space for serious drama. Over the next several decades, efforts continued, culminating in the London Shakespeare League purchasing land in 1913. However, World War I halted progress. The National Theatre Act of 1949 revived the project, with the London County Council offering a site near the Royal Festival Hall. Despite delays, the National Theatre Company was founded in 1963 and initially performed at the Old Vic before moving to its South Bank location in 1976.

Despite ongoing debates over its architecture, it stands as an iconic cultural landmark in London, embodying the history and the future of theatre in Britain.