The National, founded in 1963, and established on the South Bank in London in 1976, is central to the creative life of the UK. In its three theatres - the Olivier, the Lyttelton, and the Cottesloe - it presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics from the world repertoire, with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time. And through an extensive programme of amplifying activities - Platform performances, backstage tours, foyer music, publications, exhibitions, and outdoor events - it recognises that theatre doesn't begin and end with the rise and fall of the curtain.

The National endeavours to maintain and re-energise the great traditions of the British stage and to expand the horizons of audiences and artists alike. It aspires to reflect in its repertoire the diversity of the nation's culture. It takes a particular responsibility for the creation of new work offering at the NT Studio, a space for research and development for the NT's stages and the theatre as a whole. Through its Learning programme, it invites people of all ages to discover the NT's repertoire, the skills and excitement of theatre-making, and the building itself. As the national theatre, it aims to foster the health of the wider British theatre through policies of collaboration and touring. These activities demonstrate the considerable public benefit provided by the NT, both locally and nationally.

Between 20 and 26 new productions are staged each year in one of the NT's three theatres. In 2010-11, the National's total reach was 1.6 million people worldwide, through attendances on the South Bank, in the West End, on tour and through National Theatre Live, the digital broadcast of live performances to cinema screens all over the world.

Information: +44(0) 20 7452 3400
Box Office: +44(0) 20 7452 3000
National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
For further information, please visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk