The National Theatre made a record £80 million last year, more than double its income a decade ago.
Attendances at the three South Bank theatres averaged 92 per cent, while the National’s cinema screenings are increasingly popular.
A single broadcast of One Man, Two Guvnors starring James Corden is the most-viewed production to date with an audience of 54,000, including 32,000 in the UK. The relays meant a worldwide paying audience for National Theatre shows of 2.3 million, according to the annual report, which revealed a £300,000 end-of-year surplus.
Live audiences are also growing, with a third of all visitors to the South Bank first-time bookers, while War Horse continues to play to 99 per cent full houses in the West End. The success means the National has £59 million of £70 million needed for rebuilding.
