Old Vic
The Cut, Waterloo Road, London SE1

This magnificent building dates from 1816 when it was known as the Royal Coburg Theatre.  In 1833 the name was changed to the Royal Victoria, in honour of the future Queen Victoria and it soon became a flourishing Victorian 'music hall'.

In 1912 Lillian Baylis became manager of the Old Vic and in 1914 introduced Shakespearan plays.  The theatre became the first home of the National Theatre between 1963 and 1976. 

Following restoration in 1983 the Old Vic has operated as a conventional West End theatre, known for its exiting and challenging works. As The Old Vic is one of the oldest theatres in London it famous throughout the English speaking world.

Long known as "the actors' theatre", many of the greatest performers of the last century have played on its stage, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Sybil Thorndyke, Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Kevin Spacey.

However, its longer term future still depends upon fundraising.

Tel: 020 7928 7616