The Old Vic
About The Old Vic
One of London's oldest working theatres, a 1,000-seat independent playhouse near Waterloo known for star-led productions, new plays and £10 PwC preview tickets.
History
The theatre opened in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre and was renamed the Royal Victoria in 1833, giving it the nickname the Old Vic. In the early 20th century, under Lilian Baylis, it became famous for Shakespeare.
The National Theatre company was based here from 1963 until 1976. Today the Old Vic is an independent, not-for-profit theatre, and in recent decades it has been led by artistic directors including Kevin Spacey and Matthew Warchus.
What to Expect
Expect an intimate, horseshoe-shaped auditorium where even the upper seats feel close to the stage. The theatre releases a batch of £10 tickets for previews of each show, so sign up for alerts. It is a short walk from the South Bank, making it easy to combine with dinner by the river.
Known For
Highlights
- Historic auditorium
- Independent theatre
- Cheap preview seats
- Bar and café
- Close to the South Bank
- New writing
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get £10 tickets at the Old Vic?
- The Old Vic releases £10 PwC preview tickets for the first performances of each production. Join the mailing list to hear when they go on sale.
- Is the Old Vic in the West End?
- No. It is in Waterloo, south of the river, but it is just a short walk from the West End and the South Bank.
- What is the nearest station to the Old Vic?
- Southwark and Waterloo stations are both within about a 5-minute walk.
More London Theatres & Concert Halls
Shakespeare's Globe
A faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse where Shakespeare's company performed, staging his plays the way Elizabethan audiences saw them, with standing tickets in the yard.
National Theatre
Britain's flagship public theatre on the South Bank, running three stages of new writing, classics and family shows, with free foyer events and riverside bars.
Royal Opera House
Home of The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, presenting world-class opera and ballet in a grand Victorian auditorium on Covent Garden's piazza.