NATIONAL THEATRE, OLIVIER

SEATING PLAN

The Olivier - named after Laurence Olivier, the first director of the National Theatre (during its years at the Old Vic), and the outstanding British actor of the century - is the largest of the three theatres at the National.

Sited above the entrance foyer and over the workshops and main rehearsal rooms, it can accommodate 1150 people in its fan-shaped auditorium, and 2000 years of drama on its open stage.

Two main tiers of steeply raked seats - flanked by side-banks on a higher level - sweep down to the stage. In spite of its size, the Olivier has a concentrated intimacy. No seat is far from an actor's point of command; and the span of the seats matches their effective span of vision. They can hold the audience within the compass of their eyes.

Access
The largest of the National's three theatres, the Olivier, is built in the style of an amphitheatre with a fan-shaped auditorium. It seats about 1,100 people on two levels: Stalls and Circle. To reach either level, use one of the four lifts from the main foyer on the Ground Floor or the underground car park.

Olivier Cloakroom Foyer: Level 1
The cloakroom is 11 steps up from the nearest lift on Level 1. There's a chair lift, but if you're a wheelchair-user or have limited mobility we advise you to use the Lyttelton Cloakroom on the ground floor. There's also an exhibition space and an accessible toilet on Level 1.

Olivier Stalls Foyer: Level 2
Access is via the main lifts or by stairs. From here, you can also go outside to the Baylis Terrace via two ramps. The Box Office and Information Desk are open two hours before Olivier performances, and the bookstall and two bars one hour before.

Olivier Stalls Seating: Level 2
From Level 2, there's flat access to three wheelchair spaces at the back of the Stalls. The back row (R) is one small step up, next to the accessible seating, and there are 25 steps down to row A at the front. There's no handrail on the centre aisle. The side Stalls are raised and will be awkward for anyone with limited mobility. There's an accessible toilet on the way into the auditorium.

Olivier Circle Foyer: Level 3
The entrance to seating in the Circle is on this level, as well as the Circle Bar and 'Stage by Stage', a permanent exhibition on the National's history. There's also a bar and small seating area, a chair lift down to the Circle Cafe and access to the outside terrace (via one deep step). The Ashcroft Room, for private functions, is also on Level 3.

Olivier Circle Seating: Level 3
There is level access from the entrance to row G at the back, with 18 steps down to row A at the front. The Circle steps are quite steep with handrails on all aisles.