Play
Machinal
Helen Jones and her husband have a ‘happy marriage’. Until she murders him.
The Old Vic is one of London’s most beloved and historic theatres. Located just south of the River Thames, near Waterloo station, this iconic venue has been at the heart of British theatre for over 200 years. Renowned for its world-class productions, the Old Vic blends tradition and innovation, regularly staging a mix of classic plays, modern works, and exciting new writing. With its distinctive façade and warm, welcoming interior, the Old Vic remains a cultural landmark for theatre lovers in the capital and beyond.
Founded in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, the Old Vic has been a major influence on British theatre for over two centuries. Beginning life as a music hall, the theatre transformed into a notorious drinking den, a temperance tavern and an opera house before becoming the home of great acting, dance, musical extravaganzas, vaudeville and spectacle.
Over the years, the theatre has played host to legendary actors and groundbreaking productions. Today, under Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, the Old Vic continues to push boundaries while honouring its remarkable legacy.
It is just a few minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station and is easily accessible by tube, train, and bus. Situated in the vibrant South Bank area, it’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions.
The closest tube station is Waterloo, served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines. The theatre is just a 3-minute walk from the station—exit onto Waterloo Road and turn right onto The Cut.
Waterloo Station is also the nearest mainline train station. It's well connected to various parts of London and the South East, making the theatre easily accessible by national rail services.
Several bus routes stop near the Old Vic, including the 1, 59, 68, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, and 381. These routes serve Waterloo Road and surrounding streets, providing convenient access from all parts of London.
There are 1,314 seats at the Old Vic, located across three levels: the Stalls, Dress Circle, and Lilian Baylis Circle. The Stalls offer close-up views of the stage, while the upper levels provide a panoramic perspective of the performance. There are also several side seats and restricted view areas, often available at lower prices. For the most accurate layout, check out our guide to the Old Vic’s best seats and seating plan.
The Old Vic has step-free access to the theatre foyer and Stalls via a separate entrance on Waterloo Road. Within the Stalls, there are designated wheelchair spaces available, and many aisle seats can be used by customers who wish to transfer from a wheelchair to a standard seat. Please note that the Dress Circle and Lilian Baylis Circle are only accessible by stairs. There are 29 steps to the Dress Circle and 67 steps to the Lilian Baylis Circle from the foyer level, with no lift access to the upper levels.
Trained access hosts are available to assist visually impaired visitors throughout their visit. The theatre also offers an infra-red audio enhancement system, with headsets and hearing aid neck loops available from the Box Office. The Old Vic regularly presents accessible performances, including Audio-Described, Captioned, British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted, and Relaxed Performances as part of its commitment to inclusivity.
The Old Vic prioritises the safety and well-being of all guests, performers, and staff. The theatre follows industry-standard safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning, ventilation, and contactless ticketing. Security checks are in place at the entrance, and bags may be inspected. If you feel unwell, you're encouraged to stay home and contact the box office regarding ticket exchanges or refunds.
The Old Vic doesn't require a specific dress code, and most theatregoers wear their everyday clothes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up if you want to! Take a look at our guide to dressing for the theatre for more information.
Girl from the North Country is the current production at Old Vic Theatre. The latest booking period for Girl from the North Country at Old Vic Theatre started 02/01/2018 19:30:00 and runs until 23/08/2025 19:30:00. Tickets for Girl from the North Country start at £22 and are available to book now.
Mary Page Marlowe is the current production at Old Vic Theatre. The upcoming booking period for Mary Page Marlowe at Old Vic Theatre starts 29/09/2025 19:30:00 and runs until 01/11/2025 19:30:00. Tickets for Mary Page Marlowe start at £31 and are available to book now.
The Old Vic Theatre is easily accessed by public transport. The nearest underground station is Waterloo (Northern/Bakerloo/Jubilee/Waterloo & City Lines). Blackfriars (District and Circle Lines) and Southwark (Jubilee Line) are also nearby. If arriving to the theatre by train, the nearest train station is Waterloo Station. The theatre is also serviced by local bus routes, 1, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, and 68. IF you are driving to the theatre, the nearest car parks are the National Theatre Car Park and the Union Car Park on Southwark Street.
The Old Vic Theatre in London is renowned for its rich history, Shakespearean productions, iconic acting talent, and its charitable social mission, having been home to legends like Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench, and serving as a cultural cornerstone for opera, dance, and theatre.
Yes, you can pre-order drinks and snacks for the interval at the Old Vic. This can usually be done at the bar before the performance begins. The theatre has multiple bars offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as light snacks
Aside from bottled water, outside drinks are not permitted inside the Old Vic. You may only bring in drinks purchased on-site. Drinks bought at the bar may be taken into the auditorium in plastic containers provided by the venue.
It is recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the show starts. This allows time for security checks, collecting tickets (if needed), visiting the bar or facilities, and finding your seat. The theatre usually opens its doors about 45 minutes before curtain-up.
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Waterloo, London Waterloo EastPlay
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