1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
BUILT: 1922
SEATING CAPACITY: 1676
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National Theatre History
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, The National Theatre opened in 1835 and is the nation’s oldest venue still presenting touring Broadway.News
ACLU of NJ and Jersey City Mayor to Speak at RICHARD III Talkback
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
The Curtain will continue their post-show talk-backs with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon following this Sunday's matinee performance.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
The Curtain will continue their post-show talk-backs with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon following this Sunday's matinee performance.
Photos: First Look at SUMMERFOLK at the National Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
The National Theatre has released photos of Nina Raine and Moses Raine’s new version of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk, a razor-sharp portrait of class, privilege and denial.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
The National Theatre has released photos of Nina Raine and Moses Raine’s new version of Maxim Gorky’s Summerfolk, a razor-sharp portrait of class, privilege and denial.
Cast and Creatives Set For I'M NOT BEING FUNNY at the Bush Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
Bush Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of I'M NOT BEING FUNNY. The show, set to open in 2026, will feature a dynamic ensemble directed by notable industry professionals.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
Bush Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of I'M NOT BEING FUNNY. The show, set to open in 2026, will feature a dynamic ensemble directed by notable industry professionals.
Deafinitely Theatre Will Launch UK Tour of Mike Bartlett’s BULL
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
To celebrate Sign Language Week, Deafinitely Theatre has announced the UK tour of Bull by Mike Bartlett in a co-production with Birmingham Rep and Park Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026
To celebrate Sign Language Week, Deafinitely Theatre has announced the UK tour of Bull by Mike Bartlett in a co-production with Birmingham Rep and Park Theatre.
The Stratford Festival Reveals Participants of 2026 Langham Directors' Workshop
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
The Langham Directors’ Workshop will return to the Stratford Festival for the 2026 season with five new participants. Led by Esther Jun, the program offers selected artists the opportunity to work as assistant directors on Festival productions.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
The Langham Directors’ Workshop will return to the Stratford Festival for the 2026 season with five new participants. Led by Esther Jun, the program offers selected artists the opportunity to work as assistant directors on Festival productions.
Videos: Revisit Jessie Buckley’s Early Performances From OLIVER! Reality Show
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 16, 2026
Jessie Buckley just took home her first Academy Award for her performance in Hamnet. But, long before she was an Oscar winner, did you know that she was a runner-up in a competition show from Andrew Lloyd Webber? Take a look back at some of her early singing performances in the show!
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 16, 2026
Jessie Buckley just took home her first Academy Award for her performance in Hamnet. But, long before she was an Oscar winner, did you know that she was a runner-up in a competition show from Andrew Lloyd Webber? Take a look back at some of her early singing performances in the show!
Photos & Video: Joshua Colley, Jordan Tyson & More in HADESTOWN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
You can now get a first look at photo and video of the all-new principal cast of Hadestown on Broadway. Hadestown is in its 7th hit year on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The cast currently features Joshua Colley, Jordan Tyson and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
You can now get a first look at photo and video of the all-new principal cast of Hadestown on Broadway. Hadestown is in its 7th hit year on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The cast currently features Joshua Colley, Jordan Tyson and more.
National Theatre Live to Return to Proctors With THE AUDIENCE and THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
Proctors Theatre will present a new lineup of National Theatre Live screenings this spring, bringing acclaimed British theatre productions to its screens. The event series will feature The Audience, and The Playboy of the Western World.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026
Proctors Theatre will present a new lineup of National Theatre Live screenings this spring, bringing acclaimed British theatre productions to its screens. The event series will feature The Audience, and The Playboy of the Western World.
Interview: Theatre Life with David Andrews Rogers
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 16, 2026
Today’s subject David Andrews Rogers Is currently living his theatre on the conductor’s podium as the Musical Director and Conductor of the new touring production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. The show begins performances here in DC on March 18th and will play through April 5th at the National Theatre.
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 16, 2026
Today’s subject David Andrews Rogers Is currently living his theatre on the conductor’s podium as the Musical Director and Conductor of the new touring production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. The show begins performances here in DC on March 18th and will play through April 5th at the National Theatre.
Giuseppe Verdi's MACBETH Will Come to The Prague State Opera in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
The Prague State Opera will present Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic opera Macbeth this spring as part of its 2026 season at the National Theatre in Prague. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
The Prague State Opera will present Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic opera Macbeth this spring as part of its 2026 season at the National Theatre in Prague. Learn more here!
Cast Set For UK Tour of CAROLINE - A NEW MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
The upcoming tour of CAROLINE: A NEW MUSICAL has announced its cast, set to open at the New Wolsey Theatre on April 17, 2026. This announcement includes a link to cast gallery images and creative team biographies, providing insights into the talented individuals behind this anticipated production. The musical promises to deliver a compelling narrative accompanied by a skilled cast.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
The upcoming tour of CAROLINE: A NEW MUSICAL has announced its cast, set to open at the New Wolsey Theatre on April 17, 2026. This announcement includes a link to cast gallery images and creative team biographies, providing insights into the talented individuals behind this anticipated production. The musical promises to deliver a compelling narrative accompanied by a skilled cast.
AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE HOLLOW Will Embark on UK & Ireland Tour Beginning in October
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
Producers Fiery Angel and director Lucy Bailey partner once again to bring one of Agatha Christie's most psychologically charged mysteries to the stage. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
Producers Fiery Angel and director Lucy Bailey partner once again to bring one of Agatha Christie's most psychologically charged mysteries to the stage. Learn more here!
Dame Harriet Walter and Sir Jonathan Bate to Lead Shakespeare Festival for Prison Leavers
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
A weekend of performances, talks and film exploring madness in Shakespeare's plays will take place in the Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh this May. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
A weekend of performances, talks and film exploring madness in Shakespeare's plays will take place in the Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh this May. Learn more here!
New Staging of THE JUNGLE BOOK Comes to the National Theatre in November
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
This festive season, the National Theatre will stage Anupama Chandrasekhar's (The Father and the Assassin) new play, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's beloved family tale The Jungle Book, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2026
This festive season, the National Theatre will stage Anupama Chandrasekhar's (The Father and the Assassin) new play, an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's beloved family tale The Jungle Book, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
Video: Jessie Buckley Wins First Academy Award for HAMNET
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 16, 2026
Jessie Buckley has won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. This is the first Oscar win for the actress and her second nomination.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 16, 2026
Jessie Buckley has won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. This is the first Oscar win for the actress and her second nomination.
Photos: White Bear Theatre's THE DAWN OF RECKONING in Rehearsal
by Gillian Blum - Mar 16, 2026
Take a look behind the scenes with these rehearsal photos for White Bear Theatre's upcoming production of The Dawn of Reckoning, starring Jilly Bond and Bryonie Pritchard and directed by Matthew Parker.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 16, 2026
Take a look behind the scenes with these rehearsal photos for White Bear Theatre's upcoming production of The Dawn of Reckoning, starring Jilly Bond and Bryonie Pritchard and directed by Matthew Parker.
Broadway Women's Fund Announces 2026's Women to Watch on Broadway
by Gillian Blum - Mar 15, 2026
The Broadway Women's Fund revealed its 2026 Women to Watch on Broadway list, the seventh list from the fund spotlighting women in leadership in theater.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 15, 2026
The Broadway Women's Fund revealed its 2026 Women to Watch on Broadway list, the seventh list from the fund spotlighting women in leadership in theater.
Tony Award Winning Stage Veteran Jane Lapotaire Passes Away at 81
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 13, 2026
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen veteran Jane Lapotaire, who won Olivier and Tony Awards for portraying French singer Édith Piaf in the play Piaf, passed away on March 5 at 81 years old.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 13, 2026
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen veteran Jane Lapotaire, who won Olivier and Tony Awards for portraying French singer Édith Piaf in the play Piaf, passed away on March 5 at 81 years old.
Orange Tree Theatre Begins Major Development with Groundbreaking
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2026
The Orange Tree Theatre has commenced a significant development project, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony featuring actors Roger Allam, Niamh Cusack, Emma Fielding, and Freddie Fox.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2026
The Orange Tree Theatre has commenced a significant development project, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony featuring actors Roger Allam, Niamh Cusack, Emma Fielding, and Freddie Fox.
Women’s March Leaders to Join Post-Show Talkback at THE CURTAIN’s RICHARD III
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2026
The Curtain will present their first post-show talk-back with The Women’s March leadership following this Sunday’s matinee performance of their all-new adaptation of Richard III at Nimbus Arts Center.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2026
The Curtain will present their first post-show talk-back with The Women’s March leadership following this Sunday’s matinee performance of their all-new adaptation of Richard III at Nimbus Arts Center.
National Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
What show is next for National Theatre?
National Theatre's next show is The Notebook which begins performances on 8/18/2026.
What when was National Theatre built?
National Theatre was built in 1922.
How many seats does National Theatre have?
National Theatre has 1676 seats.
What were the longest running shows at National Theatre?
Hello, Dolly! which ran from 1/16/1964 to 12/27/1970, 1776 which ran from 3/16/1969 to 2/13/1972, West Side Story which ran from 3/19/2009 to 1/2/2011, Call Me Mister which ran from 4/18/1946 to 1/10/1948 and
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