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
Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman Will Star in New Film ELSINORE
by Stephi Wild - Dec 17, 2025
BAFTA winner and multi-Golden Globe nominee Andrew Scott and Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winner Olivia Colman will lead new film, ELSINORE, directed by BAFTA nominated Simon Stone.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 17, 2025
BAFTA winner and multi-Golden Globe nominee Andrew Scott and Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winner Olivia Colman will lead new film, ELSINORE, directed by BAFTA nominated Simon Stone.
BWW Q&A: Brendan Healy Talks A DOLL'S HOUSE at Canadian Stage
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
BroadwayWorld spoke with Brendan Healy about Canadian Stage's production of A Doll's House. Nora appears to be the perfect wife, but beneath the surface she harbours a secret that threatens to unravel her seemingly happy world. As the truth emerges, Nora gradually awakens to her own desires, and the play builds toward a radical act of self-liberation.
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
BroadwayWorld spoke with Brendan Healy about Canadian Stage's production of A Doll's House. Nora appears to be the perfect wife, but beneath the surface she harbours a secret that threatens to unravel her seemingly happy world. As the truth emerges, Nora gradually awakens to her own desires, and the play builds toward a radical act of self-liberation.
THE LEHMAN TRILOGY to be Presented at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
Milwaukee Repertory Theater will continue its record-breaking season in the new Associated Bank Theater Center with the upcoming production of The Lehman Trilogy.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
Milwaukee Repertory Theater will continue its record-breaking season in the new Associated Bank Theater Center with the upcoming production of The Lehman Trilogy.
Peri Gilpin and Ava Vincent Join Producing Team of JO " THE LITTLE WOMAN MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
SAG Award winner Peri Gilpin – the actress best known for NBC’s Emmy-winning “Frasier” – and her daughter Ava Vincent, an accomplished graphic designer, have joined the producing team for the Jo - The Little Women Musical.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
SAG Award winner Peri Gilpin – the actress best known for NBC’s Emmy-winning “Frasier” – and her daughter Ava Vincent, an accomplished graphic designer, have joined the producing team for the Jo - The Little Women Musical.
Josh Groban to Play North American Arena Tour with Jennifer Hudson
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2025
Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated performer Josh Groban has shared plans for a North American tour with special guest, EGOT-winning artist host Jennifer Hudson.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2025
Tony, EMMY, and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated performer Josh Groban has shared plans for a North American tour with special guest, EGOT-winning artist host Jennifer Hudson.
Gary Wilmot To Premiere Debut Play WHILE THEY WERE WAITING At Upstairs At The Gatehouse
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
Gary Wilmot will premiere his debut play WHILE THEY WERE WAITING at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in London. The two-hander stars Wilmot and Steve Furst and explores friendship and connection through a surreal comedy set in a waiting room.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
Gary Wilmot will premiere his debut play WHILE THEY WERE WAITING at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in London. The two-hander stars Wilmot and Steve Furst and explores friendship and connection through a surreal comedy set in a waiting room.
Manhattan Theatre Club Reveals Latest Round of Sloan Playwriting Commissions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed their latest recipients of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Initiative commissions for new theatrical works surrounding themes of science, math, and technology.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed their latest recipients of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Initiative commissions for new theatrical works surrounding themes of science, math, and technology.
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards; COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOLERO BAR Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld UK / West End Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Faye Tozer Joins Cast of the UK and Ireland Tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Dec 15, 2025
Further casting has been announced for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, opening at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 15, 2025
Further casting has been announced for the 2026/2027 UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, opening at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Learn more here!
Ghana National Theatre Will Undergo Renovations With Help From Chinese Government
by Stephi Wild - Dec 15, 2025
The Ghana National Theatre will undergo major renovations thanks to help from the Chinese government. The Chinese government has committed $30 million, equivalent to ¥200 million, to support two projects, including the National Theatre and an off-road market.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 15, 2025
The Ghana National Theatre will undergo major renovations thanks to help from the Chinese government. The Chinese government has committed $30 million, equivalent to ¥200 million, to support two projects, including the National Theatre and an off-road market.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 15, 2025- OPERATION MINCEMEAT Extends For a Sixth Time and More
by - Dec 15, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Dec 15, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Review: MUSEUM OF AUSTERITY, Young Vic
by Franco Milazzo - Dec 12, 2025
There are many museums dedicated to disaster, but only Britain could create one in which the exhibits are victims of its own fiscal policies. Museum of Austerity, revived at the Young Vic, is a cool, technologically-slick indictment, a moral subpoena served directly to your eyeballs through augmented-reality headsets. Grimmer than a midwinter funeral, the show is misnamed and flawed but serves as a salient reminder of how man’s inhumanity to man never ceases to beggar the imagination.
by Franco Milazzo - Dec 12, 2025
There are many museums dedicated to disaster, but only Britain could create one in which the exhibits are victims of its own fiscal policies. Museum of Austerity, revived at the Young Vic, is a cool, technologically-slick indictment, a moral subpoena served directly to your eyeballs through augmented-reality headsets. Grimmer than a midwinter funeral, the show is misnamed and flawed but serves as a salient reminder of how man’s inhumanity to man never ceases to beggar the imagination.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The National Theatre
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 12, 2025
The biggest issues with the musical adaptation of 'Water for Elephants' is that it doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to be, and the choreographic and performance talent in this tour would be better served by stronger material.
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 12, 2025
The biggest issues with the musical adaptation of 'Water for Elephants' is that it doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to be, and the choreographic and performance talent in this tour would be better served by stronger material.
Kayli Carter, Michael Esper, Ricardo Chavira, and More Join THE BALUSTERS on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club has announced complete casting for the world premiere of The Balusters, by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club has announced complete casting for the world premiere of The Balusters, by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
Review: THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, starring Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney
by Cindy Marcolina - Dec 12, 2025
Considered the first Irish “state of the nation” play, it’s now turned into a historical vignette imbued with hoarse black comedy. Its long placid rests are interrupted regularly by blazes of humorous energy: it entertains, but the pacing is slightly too slow for it to be full-on engaging. It’s a worthy curiosity.
by Cindy Marcolina - Dec 12, 2025
Considered the first Irish “state of the nation” play, it’s now turned into a historical vignette imbued with hoarse black comedy. Its long placid rests are interrupted regularly by blazes of humorous energy: it entertains, but the pacing is slightly too slow for it to be full-on engaging. It’s a worthy curiosity.
Tracie Bennett, Barry James, and Liam Tamne Join JO - THE LITTLE WOMEN MUSICAL in Concert
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
More star casting has been announced for the world premiere semi-staged concert of Jo - The Little Women Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
More star casting has been announced for the world premiere semi-staged concert of Jo - The Little Women Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Learn more here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 12, 2025- OH, MARY! To Welcome John Cameron Mitchell and More
by - Dec 12, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Dec 12, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora Share Backstage Scoop From WAITING FOR GODOT
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
In this edition of Words From the Wings, Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora who share the role of 'A Boy' in Waiting For Godot on Broadway, take us backstage to share some of their favorite pre-show rituals, backstage moments, must-haves and more!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
In this edition of Words From the Wings, Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora who share the role of 'A Boy' in Waiting For Godot on Broadway, take us backstage to share some of their favorite pre-show rituals, backstage moments, must-haves and more!
Photos: THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD is Now Playing at the National Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
The National Theatre has released a first look at the cast of The Playboy of the Western World. The cast includes Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke, and Siobhán McSweeney. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
The National Theatre has released a first look at the cast of The Playboy of the Western World. The cast includes Nicola Coughlan, Éanna Hardwicke, and Siobhán McSweeney. Check out the photos here!
National Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
What show is next for National Theatre?
National Theatre's next show is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which begins performances on 7/8/2025.
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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