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 Firstly the show we went to "A Christmas Carol" was absolutely brilliant & a good show always has an impact on your feelings towards the venue. Now to the venue itself. The Old Vic, is an old theatre no getting away from that. As such most of the seating is inaccessible if you can't climb a lot of stairs. It's vital anyone with mobility issues checks this out prior to booking tickets. If that's not an issue, I think it's a great venue. We were up in the God's, the safety rail was in my eye line but such was the show I soon absorbed it and didn't annoy me. I'm guessing the stage is movable as this production took up much of the ground floor, with the lucky Audiance down there scattered around the stage area. Very enjoyable, a very very long time since I saw "John, Paul, George, Ringo & Bert" there. I won't (can't) wait another 40 years!
David Tedman - a month ago

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5 Star Rating An absolutely incredible performance of A Christmas Carol. The cast was fantastic. The atmosphere was incredible. The staff were amazing also. We had warm mince pies and snowflakes!
William Kitching - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Went to see ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation on book by Charles Dickens. Fantastic production and great performances and characters. Great interaction with audience which made it so much fun.🎭 Love this Victorian theatre
gloria Arraiano Moller - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely stunning theatre and atmosphere. All seats are great, i got the cheapest and furthest and I could see everything perfectly. Stage and lighting design is incredible. I saw “The Real Thing” with my friends and we were blown away by the acting and stage itself. Gorgeous!
Madeleine - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating This was my first visit to this charming theatre. So beautifully decorated it feels luxurious before the show starts. The Tom Stoppard play, "The Real Thing" takes us on a voyage through relationships and makes one consider the various viewpoints held by each of the players. Most enjoyable.
Vic Hibbert - 3 months 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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