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: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

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 First visit to the Old Vic and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Great view of the stage from our seats and good sound quality too. Easy to get to the bar and plenty of water jugs/glasses available for those that would rather just rehydrate. Toilets easily accessible and no real queues considering the show was a sell out. Would definitely recommend and we will be back.
karen Dunnill - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Great venue & seen Mary Page Marlowe is a deeply moving piece of theatre — intelligent, compassionate, and brave in its refusal to simplify. Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough anchor the production powerfully, while the ensemble and design amplify the emotional resonance. This is a play that lingers long after you leave: not because it ends with a dramatic finale, but because life itself — messy, unplanned, beautiful — still pulses in its echo. If you have the chance, it’s very much worth seeing.
Tristan Myfanwy - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Called in here for a coffee and to find out more about The Old Vic. It's just around the corner from Waterloo station. The Cut is a wonderful area with really nice restaurants cafes and shops , it has a nice vibe. There is also The Young Vic which I had no idea about just down the road. I will be keeping an eye on what's on in these theatres in future. The staff at The Old Vic were very welcoming. The café inside is well worth a visit.
Julie Smith - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Fabulous theatre! Staff are super attentive too, I had an issue where I was sat and the ushers were quick to help me resolve it. Plenty of loos - love that they’re gender inclusive. Price of merchandise is really affordable too compared to other theatres. The box office staff are really helpful, allowed me to exchange a ticket for credit voucher
Ben Donaghy - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating First time visit Staff helpful and friendly. Fine Theatre with Royal creast above the stage. Play: The Brightening Air by Conor McPherson. Another fine tale set in 1980s Ireland. A story of family reunion, secrets and revelations. A must see. Excellent ensemble cast. All outstanding. The Brightening Air is one of two this year at The Old Vic, to be followed by Girl from the North Country. And the Weir at The Harold Pinter. Second play, Mary Parker Marlowe, by Tracey Lett's is biography of his mother in 11 scenes. Rather similar to The Years, however, as the Years told chronology. MPM the vignettes are scuffled. I went as I think Andrea Riseborough is an understated but seller actress. The cast is very good. Front of House and bar and box office staff very good. Very worthwhile seeing, as, as I said Andrea Riseborough is stellar.
Christopher J Keeffe - 2 weeks ago

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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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