About Young Vic Theatre
- The theater has a flexible seating capacity that varies depending on the configuration of the stage for each production, and can go upto 550 seats in the main auditorium.
- It often works as a thrust stage, with three sides that allow a more intimate and immersive experience for the audience. The octagonal shape of the main auditorium also facilitates the mobility of the stage.
- The venue also hosts two smaller rooms, the Maria, which seats 150, and the Clare, with a capacity of 70 seats.
- Each of the rooms are designed to encourage greater interaction between the audience and the performer.
In the years after World War II, a few members of the Old Vic Theatre School, led by Laurence Olivier formed the Young Vic Company to host performances for a younger audience. In 1970, Frank Dunlop reilluminated the fire, constructing a building a few blocks away from the Old Vic that could be the 'new kind of theatre for a new generation'. Not only did the venue have a noble cause, but it was also constructed on a historic piece of land. During the World War, 54 people lost their lives to bombing on the same site where the theater stands today. The space was meant to be temporary, and the foundation began to crumble around the early 2000s.
But as the theater saw increasing interest from patrons of all ages, the Young Vic took a tour (called 'Walkabout') across the UK while the theater was redesigned by Haworth Tompkins. Throughout its history, one thing has remained constant - the company's commitment to a 'paperback' theatre, 'as indispensable to life as bread and wine'.
- The building has a striking exterior that combines modern elements with rustic industrialism, accented by large windows and exposed brickwork.
- Interior: The interior is simple and intimate, featuring exposed concrete and natural wood, which adds to its contemporary style of the design.
- The auditorium reflects the company's mission, by restricting the size to an intimate seating space, it maintains a fresh look and breaks the wall between an artist and a viewer.
- Notable features: After undergoing several renovations between 2000 and 2006, the construction prioritizes sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and inclusive spaces in the premises.
- The two smaller performance spaces, Maria and Clare, are named after artists who had contributed to productions in its early years.
- A Christmas Carol (2007)
- Ghosts (2008)
- King Lear (2009)
- Annie Get Your Gun (2009)
- Hamlet (2011)
- Beauty and the Beast (2012)
- A View from the Bridge (2014)
- Twelfth Night (2018)
- Best of Enemies (2021)
- Oklahoma! (2022)
Know Before You Go
- Address: 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ, United Kingdom
- Tube: Take the Jubilee, Bakerloo, or Northern lines to Waterloo station, or the Jubilee line to Southwark station. Both stations are a short 3-minute walk from the theater.
- Bus: Several bus routes, including 11, 12, 77, 76, 148, 188, 211, and 381, service the area around The Cut. The closest station is Waterloo, a 10-minute walk from the venue.
- Cycle: You can use the Transport for London Cycle, with several docking stations close to the theatre, including ones at Waterloo station and around Southwark. If you're using a personal bike, use the cycle racks in front of the building to safely park.
- Rail: The nearest stations are Waterloo and Waterloo East, accessible via the Southwestern and Southeaster lines respectively. You can also drop off at Charing Cross or London Bridge stations, which are one stop away by the Tube.
- Recommended route: The Tube is the most convenient mode of transport to reach directly near the venue.
- Washrooms: The theatre has gender-inclusive washrooms and adapted toilets on the premises.
- The Cut Bar and Restaurant: The Cut is the resident restaurant at the Young Vic, offering classic sandwiches, salads, and more, whipped up with fresh, organic ingredients. You can enjoy a quick bite before the performance here, from Monday to Saturday.
- Relaxed performances: The theater hosts exclusive relaxed performances that cater to those with learning disabilities and sensory needs and allow for noise and movement during the show. Additional space and a chill-out area are also available during these performances.
- Accessible seating: Two types of spaces are available for wheelchair users - pick a wheelchair space if you prefer to be seated in your wheelchair or a wheelchair transfer seat if you'd like to transfer.
- Assistive Listening: Audio description headsets, radio receivers, and hearing loops are available during booking. You can collect the devices from the Front of House team upon arrival.
- Audio Caption: Most performances at the theater use speech-to-text transcription for persons with hearing disabilities. Please check the show page to confirm which performances are captioned.
- Service animals and companions: Assistance dogs are welcome, and the theatre staff can look after them during the show, upon prior indication. The theater also reserves companion spots for persons with disabilities.
- Parking: The theater is located in a residential area and therefore does not have a parking space. You can book a spot in advance at National Car Park Ltd on Upper Ground, Coin Street, and Waterloo Station.
- The venue is in London's congestion zone, and private vehicles may incur a charge when driving from 7 am-6 pm Mon-Fri and 12 pm-6 pm on Sat-Sun and bank holidays.
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code as the theater is committed to providing a relaxed and laid-back environment for theatergoers. Pick comfortable, casual attire that allows you to enjoy your visit, and carry a light jacket!
- Ticketing: The theater encourages younger theatergoers to participate in the culture and often runs discounted prices for patrons 25 and under. You can also catch a show at very low prices during first previews or with 'Lucky Dip' tickets.
- Explore: The theater is a short walk from the Tate Modern, the National Theatre, and the River Thames. If you're in the central London area, pick a scenic walk to reach the venue and visit the city's beloved destinations.
Meson Don Felipe: A rustic Spanish tavern that serves a variety of small plates such as patatas bravas, chorizo, and gambas al ajillo, along with a good selection of Spanish wines and sangria.
- Directions
Rosa's Thai Waterloo: This cafe serves authentic Thai dishes with a modern twist and a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. The vibrant eatery is perfect for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
- Directions
Wahaca Waterloo: A lively, colorful restaurant that reflects the vibrant street markets of Mexico with its eclectic decor. The open kitchen serves tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, among other Mexican delights.
- Directions
Flat Iron Waterloo: This popular spot is known for its simple, high-quality steaks. The menu centers around their signature flat iron steak, accompanied by a range of sides and sauces, with a focus on affordable, no-fuss dining.
- Directions
The Ring: For a classic London experience, this local favorite serves up traditional British pub fare with a variety of beers, ales, and spirits. The structure was built to celebrate the boxing heritage of the historic indoor boxing ring opposite it.
- Directions
to The Ring
Frequently asked questions about Young Vic Theatre
The Young Vic is in London's South Bank area, at 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ, United Kingdom.
You can reach the venue by the Tube, Rail, Bus, or Car, depending on your original location. We recommend choosing public transport for a convenient and green trip.
The theater has a flexible seating plan that can seat upto 550 people, depending on configuration.
The Young Vic was an off-shoot of the Old Vic theater, constructed as a separate building in 1970. They are both only a few blocks away in the South Bank area of London, but the Old Vic is a much larger space.
Yes, all areas in the theater are completely accessible for persons with disabilities. The theater also provides staff and assistive devices to make the visit smooth.
Yes, there are several restaurants near the theater, including the Cut Bar which is located inside the premises.
Yes, the theater has special concessions for patrons under 25 and over 60 years of age.
No, photography and videography are not permitted inside the auditorium. Please use the time before a show to take images of the space.
