Old Vic Theatre

Old Vic Theatre

The Cut, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8NB

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.

The history of the Old Vic

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.

Where is the Old Vic?

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.

Nearest tube station to the Old Vic

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.

Nearest train station to the Old Vic

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.

Buses to the Old Vic

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.

Old Vic seating plan

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.

Old Vic accessibility

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.

Old Vic safety policy

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.

Old Vic dress code

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.

The capacity of the Old Vic Theatre is 1,067 over 3 levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, and the Lilian Baylis Circle
Old Vic Theatre Seating Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Getting here

Closest Tube Station

Waterloo Underground Station

Closest Train Station

Waterloo, London Waterloo East

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Machinal

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Helen Jones and her husband have a ‘happy marriage’. Until she murders him.

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Cause Célèbre

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Philadelphia Story, The

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Of Mice And Men

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Complicit

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The Lorax

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Entertainer, The

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Resurrection Blues

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Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

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Don't miss this star-studded play based on the award-winning novel by Tom Stoppard!

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National Anthems

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Variety Night At The Old Vic

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The Caretaker

The Caretaker tickets

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Norman Conquests

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The Winslow Boy

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Cloaca

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Clarence Darrow

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Democracy

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Elaine Stritch at Liberty

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Flea in Her Ear

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Future Conditional

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Sweet Bird Of Youth

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Inherit The Wind

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Soldiers Tale, The

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Moon for the Misbegotten, A

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Hedda Gabler

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Democracy

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Six Degrees of Separation

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RSC: Coriolanus

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Future Conditional

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Design for Living

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Messiah - Scenes From A Crucifix

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All About My Mother

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Dr. Seuss's The Lorax

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Speed the Plow

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The Hairy Ape

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Rise

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Hamlet

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The Master Builder

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Dancing at Lughnasa

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Playboy Of The Western World

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Gaslight

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Woyzeck

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One of the most extraordinary plays ever written coming to the West End!

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Electra

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The Hairy Ape

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Cherry Orchard, The

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Jekyll & Hyde

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Noises Off

noises off

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Remembrance

From the Old Vic series One Voice, Remembrance marks 100 years since the Armistice.

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Pygmalion

Pygmalion is a timeless tale of transformation, identity and the power of language!

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A Number

Lennie James and Paapa Essiedu at The Old Vic

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Fortune's Fool

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Lungs

Don't miss Claire Foy and Matt Smith star in Duncan Macmillan's Lungs. Tickets available soon!

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The 47th

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Mike Bartlett's new play makes its world premiere at London's Old Vic

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Electra

★★★★★ 'Kristin Scott Thomas is excruciatingly good' The Independent

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As You Like It

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Jitney

4.810 reviews

August Wilson's Olivier Award winning play come to the Old Vic

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Endgame / Rough For Theatre II

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Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe stars alongside Alan Cumming in the Old Vic's double bill Endgame / Rough For Theatre II

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The Divide

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The Divide is a vision of a dystopian future defined by brutal repression and forbidden love.

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4000 Miles

Timothée Chalamet and Eileen Atkins star in 4000 Miles at London's Old Vic

Dance

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Samuel Pepys wants to tell us everything.

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Eureka Day

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Jonathon Spector's off-Broadway comedy hit comes to London's Old Vic.

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Groundhog Day

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Based on the 1990's smash-hit movie, Groundhog Day The Musical returns to the Old Vic!

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Local Hero

Tickets for the West End transfer of Local Hero the musical are available now!

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Sea Wall

5.01 reviews

Multi-award winning actor Andrew Scott celebrates 200 years of The Old Vic with Sea Wall

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A Very Expensive Poison

4.543 reviews

Award-winning playwright Lucy Prebble's new murder inspired drama A Very Expensive Poison to receive world premiere at the Old Vic

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Fanny & Alexander

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‘There should be no shame in us taking pleasure in our little lives.’

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Mood Music

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Ben Chaplin stars in the World Premiere of Mood Music.

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Sylvia

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Starring Beverley Knight, the epic musical celebrates feminist icon Sylvia Pankhurst.

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The American Clock

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A ground-breaking play by Arthur Miller will be opening in the Old Vic.

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Real Thing, The

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The Constituent

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‘I am not your punch bag! I am a Member of Parliament!’

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The Real Thing

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There are no commitments, only bargains.

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Richard II

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Oedipus - Old Vic Theatre

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Vengeance will be taken on the killer, then the land will be clean...

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High Society

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Present Laughter

4.730 reviews

Noel Coward's Present Laughter returns to the London stage in a new revival starring Andrew Scott at the Old Vic

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A Christmas Carol

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Don't be a Scrooge, celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol tickets!

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RSC: The Merry Wives of Windsor

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The Brightening Air

Conor McPherson returns to The Old Vic with his captivating new play.