The National Theatre

The National Theatre is situated on the south bank of the River Thames in London, just minutes from Covent Garden and the West End. Sometimes referred to as 'The National' or 'The Royal National Theatre', it sits at the end of Waterloo Bridge, close to the National Film Theatre and the Festival Hall.

The National Theatre actually consists of three theatres which opened between 1976 and 1977. The largest of these is the Olivier Theatre, which contains the famous 'drum revolve' or rotating stage. The Lyttelton Theatre has an adjustable proscenium, meaning a forestage or orchestra pit can be easily added. The Cottesloe Theatre is the smallest of the three but also the most flexible, and hosts a range of productions from classical masterpieces to experimental theatre.

The National puts on both new plays and classics, and you can usually choose from seven or eight productions at any one time. In addition to the platform performances you can take backstage tours, listen to free musical concerts in the foyer, see exhibitions about the history and workings of the theatre, and enjoy free outdoor entertainment and riverside events.

You can book tickets for theatre performances at the National Theatre online, where you can also find out about free concerts and performances on the theatre's website.

The nearest tube stations to the National Theatre are Waterloo and Southwark, or you can walk over the Hungerford Bridge from Embankment.

The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre is in Bankside (the old Southwark) on the south bank of the Thames. Sometimes referred to as the 'New Globe Theatre' or 'Shakespeare's theatre' it attracts over 750,000 visitors a year.

The Globe Theatre is famous for its associations with William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and actor. The original Globe was owned by actors with Shakespeare himself owning an eighth share. From 1599 onwards, he staged most of his plays here, including Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and Hamlet.

The Globe Theatre you see today is a reconstruction which opened in 1997. The original Theatre stood 200 metres away from this site, and was built in 1599. It was destroyed by a fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, and closed again in 1642. The project to rebuild the Globe was started by the American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, which was built sympathetically, according to an Elizabethan plan.

The Globe Theatre has regular performances of Shakespeare plays but continues to show other historic plays as well. It is also home to the world's most extensive exhibition about Shakespeare and his contemporaries. There are occasional fairs and musical performances, and you can take guided tours throughout the building. The Globe Theatre is open daily, situated in New Globe Walk, close to Blackfriars and London Bridge tube stations. You don't need to book tickets in advance unless you're part of a group. There is a charge for admission.

Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area

If you're looking for a London hotel that's close to the London National Theatre or the Globe Theatre, there are several 4 and 5 star Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area.

The May Fair hotel is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street, in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The Mayfair is superbly located for the sights of London, and is close to Green Park underground. It also has its own attractions too: the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar, and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband, and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please. 

The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a five star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatre land. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London. With its lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine this is a fantastic base from which to explore London. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre, and a fitness centre. So whether you're in London to work or play the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay. 

The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. This intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location but is tucked away in a quiet street off London's theatre land. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, fitness centre, 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service, and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.

The Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, with public areas featuring silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas, and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre, and complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.

The Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Fairmont Avenue, 10 minutes walk from Canary Wharf and the underground, close to ExCel, the O2, London City Airport, and the City. Its rooms offer contemporary design, natural lighting, air-conditioning, and afford breath-taking views of the River Thames and the city of London. The hotel has a riverside café, a cocktail bar, a restaurant and fitness centre, so you won't be short of things to do. If you're here on a business trip, you'll find the hotel is fully equipped with a 24 hour business centre and wireless Internet access.

A special offer at the National Theatre

With our 'Let loose in London' scheme, you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants and tourist attractions.