London’s Old Vic theatre has opened the doors to its brand new building, Backstage.
The launch of the new accessible building has come about after the independent and not-for-profit theatre raised £17.2 million to expand its footprint for the first time in 200 years.
Public spaces include a cafe and bar, a free to use script library for members of the public to browse or borrow scripts, an outdoor terrace and an events space for hire.
The new six storey building also features the Greene Studio – a modern and flexible rehearsal room which can transform into a studio theatre.
The aim is to broaden access to the theatre in multiple ways while also providing a much needed new social destination for The Old Vic, which is situated on Waterloo Road near London’s Southbank.
Since becoming artistic director in 2015, Matthew Warchus has been on a 10-year journey to transform The Old Vic with an eclectic and accessible programme and a bright and welcoming building.
Warchus said: “It is a true honour to be a custodian of this magical theatre at such a momentous time in its 200-year history.
“Located at the heart of our city, The Old Vic has always strived to be a beacon of entertainment and exploration that hopes to engage as many people as possible.
“For a decade, the team and I have been committed to making our theatre more welcoming, more adventurous and less intimidating through changes to the physical spaces, and through the work on and off stage.
“The Backstage building demonstrates this ongoing commitment and marks a new chapter in the life of this wonderful theatre.”
Laura Stevenson, executive director of The Old Vic, said: “We are delighted to be opening the doors today of our new Backstage building.
“Our hope is that this new extension welcomes even more people into our theatre: to eat and drink in our new cafe, to participate in our education programmes and to see new work in our Greene Studio.
“It is also a building for artists with more space to create and to collaborate.
“I am so grateful to all those who have helped to make this happen — our supporters and donors, the project team, led by Rowena Russell, and to the whole team at The Old Vic who have worked tirelessly on this project.”
Olivier award-winning actress Sheila Atim, who is a trustee of The Old Vic, said: “I am incredibly proud to witness this momentous moment in The Old Vic’s 207-year history.
“The opening of Backstage ushers in a new opportunity to expand the invaluable work the theatre already does through its education and community projects, whilst providing a nurturing space for locals and creatives alike.
“As a trustee and a previous performer here, I look forward to watching Backstage become an inspiring hub and home for many communities to come.”
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