Our Purpose
The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach.
We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home. World-leading artists make their best work at the NT with the widest possible audience and impact. We invest in talent and innovation on stage and off. We take seriously our role as the nation’s theatre. Of the new productions we develop each year with a wide range of theatre companies, a third of that R&D resource is dedicated to shows staged at theatres outside London. Through touring our work to local theatres and schools and nationwide education and community programmes, we are active in 71 of the 109 levelling up priority areas in the UK. A registered charity with deeply embedded social purpose, the NT works with hundreds of schools and communities across the UK to spark imagination and inspire creativity, and to develop skills and pathways for careers in theatre. Our key objectives as we look to the next five years are towards economic, environmental and social sustainability, upholding a culture that aims to take care of our people and the wider world.
Our Values
The values that guide us.
Make a positive impact, striving to make the world a better place through theatre.
Bring your passion, applying energy and expertise to achieve the highest standards.
Collaborate to create, bringing ideas to life through teamwork and forging connection.
Empower each other, working to build and uphold an inclusive and equitable culture.
Act with confidence, with the courage to make clear, intentional decisions that support our shared vision.