An iconic performing arts venue located in London, the Old Vic Theatre has a captivating history dating back to 1818. Originally known as the Royal Coburg Theatre, the theatre was built by James King, Daniel Dunn and John Thomas Serres as a venue for variety shows and melodramas. Over time, it gained popularity and underwent multiple name changes until it became the Royal Victoria Hall in 1880, commonly referred to as the Old Vic.

Under the management of Emma Cons in the late 19th century, the Old Vic Theatre transitioned to a more socially conscious repertoire, presenting plays that addressed relevant social issues. It also briefly housed the Morley Memorial College for Working Men and Women. In 1912, Lilian Baylis took over its management and transformed the venue into a hub for Shakespearean productions and classical theatre. Throughout the 20th century, the theatre saw several notable actors and directors, including Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud, grace its stage. It also served as a platform for emerging talents, nurturing the careers of actors like Judi Dench and Peter O'Toole.

The Old Vic faced financial challenges in the 1960s but was saved from shutting down by the creation of the Old Vic Theatre Trust, a non-profit organisation, in 2000. Since then, it has undergone many renovations to ensure its preservation and continued contribution to the performing arts. Today, the Old Vic Theatre stands as a cherished cultural institution, known for its diverse and impactful productions that captivate audiences in London and beyond.

The Old Vic Theatre has staged several successful shows over the years. A few notable productions include:

• Noises Off (2011)
  
• Richard III (2011)
  
• The Crucible (2015)
  
• Groundhog Day (2015)
  
• The Master Builder (1997)
  
• Waiting for Godot (1997)
  
• Future Conditional (2015)
  
• The Tempest (1974)

Visual

• The theatre regularly hosts audio-described performances by providing live commentary through headsets for visually-impaired patrons.
  
• Touch tours are also available before every in-person audio-described performance.

Auditory & Speech  

• The theatre hosts Captioned and BSL-interpreted performances for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. An interpreter stands on one side of the stage and uses sign language to communicate what is spoken or sung in the show.
  
• The auditorium is fitted with a Sennheiser Infrared System, which enhances audio. Sennheiser Infrared headsets can be used anywhere in the auditorium.
  
• Headsets and neck loops, which are used with hearing aids, are available in the theatre. You can collect your headsets from the cloakroom in the main foyer before the performance after paying a returnable deposit of £5.

Motor/Mobility 

• The theatre has step-free access at the entrance located on the side of the theatre on Waterloo Road.
  
• Wheelchair users or those with disabilities can take the lift (located at the entrance) to the Box Office, foyer, and the bar on the basement level.
  
• The Stalls are wheelchair accessible and can be entered from the foyer near the Box Office.

Others

• The theatre offers companion tickets for disabled patrons who need someone to accompany or assist them. The seats are located right next to the accessible seat ticket.
  
• There is dedicated staff at the theatre to help you with anything that you might need.
  
• Wheelchair access and ambulant ‘roomier’ toilets are available in the auditorium, on the third floor, and The Penny’s Cafe & Bar.