Old Vic Theatre

The Old Vic Theatre has featured superb performances for nearly 200 years

Front facade of the Old Vic Theatre
Front facade of the Old Vic Theatre cc licensed photo by Peter Broster

The Old Vic Theatre was first established in 1818 at which time it was called the Royal Coburg Theatre. In 1880 it changed ownership and became the Royal Victoria Hall. Beginning in 1914 the theatre began running a series of Shakespeare plays. Heavily damaged by the air raids of 1940, the theatre was re-opened in 1950.

The Old Vic Theatre Company was established in 1929. In 1963 the company was dissolved and replaced by the National Theatre Company which played at the Old Vic until opening their own theatre across the river in 1976. The Old Vic continued to host both classic and new dramas. In 1985 it benefited from a substantial restoration. In the year 2000 the building was purchased by a charitable trust.

Well known American actor Kevin Spacey has been the artistic director of the new Old Vic Theatre Company since 2003, bringing new life and a mixture of British and American talent to the stage. He personally appears in one or two shows each year.

The Old Vic can accommodate an audience of a little over 1000 guests. For more information about the Old Vic Theatre as well as shows and schedules visit their official website link below.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Old Vic Theatre

Fee: Yes

Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Address: 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB, UK

Phone: 0344 871 7628

Official Website: Old Vic Theatre

Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5The Old Vic Star Rating

5 Star Rating Had the chance to go and see Groundhog Day at the old Vic. The show was amazing but so was the venue. Seats are good value with a seat available for every budget. We were very fortunate to get 1st row on the dress circle. Toilets at the top or the bottom. Free water which is a nice touch. For anything else, it’s always better to book ahead. The location is perfect for out of towners, about 150m from Waterloo station. Lots of good places to eat before but most will be shut by the time you are done so eat before. No dedicated parking but didn’t expect it either considering it’s location. Would highly recommend the Old Vic and this particular show too.

Christian Martin - 4 months ago

5 Star Rating One of our favorite spots we visited while in London. The staff is superb, the ahow was great, and the venue was timeless. If we ever get a chance to go back I absolutely will.

Nick B - 1 month ago

5 Star Rating Superb evening watching 'Groundhog Day'. Fantastic musical - very funny. However: Seats in Dress circle on the side (Row Y, seats 5 &6) were VERY awkward, the whole row of seats is installed too far from the banister to be able to lean forward. But the show made up for the awkward seating arrangements.

Ronny Wilbald - 4 months ago

5 Star Rating Really lovely theatre and dead easy to get to in London. Huge stage allows for imagination in the direction and productions in the round. Seats are Small and have hard handles seriously obese patrons should check that they will fit in the seats Very friendly they’re bbeeleeeeseee

Wayne ODell (WayneBattersea) - 3 days ago

5 Star Rating Really nice theatre. Felt very clean and modern inside, with enough room to not feel squashed during the intermission. The view of the stage was great, even from the back of the Bayliss Circle. Nice clean toilets with fast queues. Overall, a great theatre which I'd happily return to again.

Jack Thorn - 3 months ago

Accommodations near Old Vic Theatre:

Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Northern and Jubilee and Bakerloo LinesWaterloo5 Minutes

How to get to Old Vic Theatre by Tube

From Waterloo Station exit onto Waterloo Road and go to your right (south). The Old Vic Theatre is a short walk ahead on the southeast corner of Waterloo Road and The Cut.

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Photo Gallery

Video


Trailer for the hilarious Noises Off held at the Old Vic in 2012
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