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

Fee: Yes

Old Vic Theatre Hours:
Opening 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

Old Vic Theatre Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating An amazing building and fab theatre. Easy to get to from Euston on the Northern line. I got off early so that I could walk across the bridge and see the stunning views of London. We had a great view even though we were at the back. And we saw an amazing show. Highly recommend!
karen Morrissey - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating We have always wanted to go to the Old Vic, and seeing the Christmas Coral over the holidays seemed like the perfect time. It was!!! We were literally able to talk to the actors, the stage was that close to the audience. I don't think there is a bad seat, period. We were on main floor adjacent to one of 4 walkways where actors past on way to center stage. But the 2 balconies were also quite close. A intimate setting that really works. And the presentation of the story we all know was so creative. The 4 of us loved it! I won't give things away but suffice to say, but the staging, acting and music was very special.
Rodger Beard - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

4 Star Rating It's OK as far as Theatre's go. There is good leg room in the theatre itself, and visibility is decent (we were stalls row L), although we were missing the people in front, which helped greatly. It was very cold in the theatre. We had a constant draft under our legs. I don't know when small, medium, or large options for wine came in, but that is definitely a rort. I prefer when a glass of wine was just that. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Nina Beilby - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Hands down one of the best shows I've ever been to! The Christmas Carol was absolutely brilliant and The Old Vic venue was incredible and what a treat all around. Nice friendly staff, an easy walk from Waterloo Station and was such a pleasant experience, a weekday was brilliant just for this. It's on every year and no surprise! What a treat! Solid A***** LDT x
London Double Trouble - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating A Christmas Carol was such a brilliant performance at the beautiful Old Vic theatre. Thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the excellent cast. It is definitely a must see during the season. Some unexpected twists and tweaks to the story made it exciting to the end.
Richard Krogh - 2 months ago

Show More
Show Less

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.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Old Vic Theatre:

Photo Gallery

Video

Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.


London Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo
Booking.com sale banner link

Visiting London?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!