The Old Vic
Venue Information
- How to book (Phone)
- 0344 871 7628
- Guide dogs
- Guide dogs are allowed into the auditorium. Alternatively, staff can dog-sit. Please inform Box Office at time of booking.
- Wheelchairs
- There is a ramp from street level into the foyer. Two wheelchair spaces in Stalls.
- Sound amplification
- Sennheiser infrared system. A unit is required to be collected from the cloakroom for a £5 deposit (which will be refunded on return of the unit). 30+ units available, including in-ear types and loop units to be used with the T-setting/switch on hearing aids. Some seats are unsuitable for use with the units, please inform the box office at the time of booking if one is likely to be needed. Induction loop is available at the walk-up box office.
- Audio description
- There are 20+ steps to the Dress Circle and a further 20 steps to the Baylis Circle (with handrails). The theatre is open 1 hour before the performance.
- Street to foyer
- Ramp
- Foyer to seat
- 2 to Stalls, 29 to Dress Circle, 49 to Upper Circle
- Level access
- Via ramp to Stalls
- Lift / stair lift / ramp
- Ramp
- Bars
- Pit bar down 19 steps from foyer (spacious), Dress Circle bar up 20+ steps, Lilian Baylis bar up 49 steps. Soft drinks brought to disabled customers in the auditorium. All have moveable seats.
- Toilets
- Accessible toilet on the left inside the side entrance.
- Air conditioning
- Yes
- Accepts Theatre Tokens
- Yes
The Old Vic is one of London’s most renowned independent not-for-profit theatres – a world leader in creativity and entertainment since 1818.
Opening in May 1818, The Old Vic began life as the Royal Colburg Theatre, marking patrons Princess Charlotte and her husband Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. Initially forbidden to show serious drama as a “minor” theatre, the venue began to attract a number of high-profile performers before becoming the Royal Victoria Theatre in July 1833, under the patronage of Victoria, Duchess of Kent. By 1880, it had become colloquially known as the “Old Vic” under the ownership of Emma Cons.
The Old Vic is mercurial: it can transform into a theatre in the round, a space for music and comedy, has played host to opera, dance, cinema, music hall, classical dramas, variety, clowns, big spectacles and novelty acts. It was the original home of the English National Opera, the Sadler’s Wells dance company and the National Theatre company. It’s also been a tavern, a college, a coffee house, a lecture hall and a meeting place.
Today, The Old Vic is well known for a high quality and varied artistic programme, as Artistic Director Matthew Warchus builds on 200 years of creative adventure.