The Old Vic Theatre London SE1 8NB - The Old Vic Theatre Tickets

As You Like It at The Old Vic

Book As You Like It Tickets Online:
Tickets - Special Offers - Group Bookings
Customer Help Desk: (+44) 0207 492 1602

The Real Thing Tickets

The Old Vic Theatre

Book As You Like It Tickets
Showing from 12th June to 21st August 2010

The Real Thing Tickets
Showing from 10th April to 5th June 2010

Find Available Dates: View Show Times and Seating Options: Tickets at Best Prices

There are three bars. Also available is ice-cream and confectionery.
For wheelchair users; There are steps to the foyer - there is a ramped access to stalls available. There is access for two wheelchairs in the stalls. There are steps to the foyer. Guide dogs are allowed in the auditorium, or our staff are available to dog-sit. Lowest concession price available for disabled theatregoer and one companion. There are disabled person's toilets.
NCP in Coin Street plus some meters are the closest public parking
London Waterloo is the nearest Underground Station
London Waterloo is the closest National Rail Station to The Old Vic Theatre. Victoria and Charing Cross stations are within a bus, tube or taxi ride.
London Bus Routes: 1, 4, 68, 176, 188, 501
Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8NB Click Here for The Old Vic Theatre Map Old Vic Seating Plan	Theatre
The Old Vic Theatre, London The Old Vic is one of the oldest theatres in London, being built in 1818, and is 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, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Alec Guiness, Vivien Leigh, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Peter O'Toole, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Kevin Spacey. The Theatre was built on former marsh land known as Lambeth Marsh and took several years to build due to a severe lack of finance. The Foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Saxe Coburg and Princess Charlotte of Wales in September 1816, thus the 'Old Vic' started as The Royal Coburg, promising the nobility and the gentry an "entirely new entertainment". The opening night in 181b included a Melodrama, an Asiatic ballet and a Harlequinade. In 1831 Edmund Kean plays Richard III, Othello, Macbeth and King Lear during a six-night engagement. In 1833 the theatre re-opens, 'for the encouragement of Native Dramatic Talent', as The Royal Victoria, in honour of Princess Victoria. In 1871 the theatre again re-opens as The New Victoria. During the decade it's twice put up for sale by auction, before closing down. in 1880 Emma Cons, a leading Victorian social reformer, opens the theatre as The Royal Victoria Coffee and Music Hall. The word 'theatre' is dropped supoosedly because of its 'impure associations'. In 1884 philanthropist Samuel Morley saves it from closure and re-names it The Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern. In 1914 Shakespeare productions are staged for the first time, under director Ben Greet. From 1920-25 under director Robert Atkins all 36 Shakespeare plays in the First Folio are performed. In 1925 West End Star Edith Evans joins the company. From 1929-31 John Gielgud's Hamlet and Richard II establish him as the new Shakespearean star. In 1932 Peggy Ashcroft joins the company to play Rosalind, Portia, Juliet and Miranda. Michael Redgrave and Edith Evans in As you like it, 1936 In 1936 Michael Redgrave, Alec Guinness and Laurence Olivier join the company for the first time. During 1941 the theatre is very badly damaged by German bombs. After being renovated the theatre re-opens in 1950 with a performance of Twelfth Night. During 1957 Judi Dench joins for the first of four seasons. Her parts include Ophelia, Hermia, and Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's production of Romeo and Juliet. John Stride and Judi Dench in Romeo and Juliet in 1960. Laurence Olivier and Maggie Smith star in Othello in 1964. In 1963 The Old Vic company disbands. The National opens with Hamlet, starring Peter O'Toole. Over the next 13 years company regulars include Albert Finney, Anthony Hopkins, Geraldine McEwan, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith. During 1977 the theatre is leased to visiting companies. The first production is The White Devil, starring Glenda Jackson. In 1982 the theatre is put up for sale with buyer Canadian businessman Ed Mirvish restoring it to its former glory. The facade of the building is based on an 1830 engraving, and the auditorium on the designs of 1871. During 1998 the Mirvish family puts the theatre up for sale. There are suggestions for changing it into a themed pub, a bingo hall or a lap-dancing club. In response to public and political pressure, the theatre is acquired by The Old Vic Theatre Trust 2000, a registered charity set up by Sally Greene. Almeida's production of The Iceman Cometh is transferred and is a big success. Kevin Spacey wins the Evening Standard Drama and Olivier Awards as Best Actor. With The Old Vic now back to its former glory the theatre has continued to produce outstanding shows to date.