Supporting wellbeing and building community through engagement with the arts.
Matinee Idols is our programme for people over the age of 50 to discover more about The Old Vic, engage with our shows, learn new skills and interests and tackle the effects of loneliness in the local community. We offer 200 £5 tickets across two performances, plus a pre-show event, for each production of the season.
As a Member of Matinee Idols, you will be able to book one ticket online or via Box Office for one of the matinee performance dates. Tickets for Matinee Idols performances are in high demand, so we have limited the number per person to give as many Matinee Idols as possible the chance to book.
If you purchase a ticket and can no longer attend, please contact our Box Office team on 0344 871 7628 to let them know so that the ticket can be used by another Matinee Idol.
Information on Matinee Idols performances and pre-show events is shared by email to our Matinee Idols mailing list.
You can also buy a £5 ticket to gift to a Matinee Idol who would otherwise not be able to attend. If you want to purchase a £5 ticket as a gift, call Box Office on 0344 871 7628 or visit in person and they will arrange this for you. These tickets will then be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If you would like to request one of these gifted tickets, you can do so by emailing ovcommunity@oldvictheatre.com.
Applications to join Matinee Idols are closed.
Matinee Idols is open to everyone over the age of 50. You must be available to attend both the pre-show and post-show events, as well as the matinee performance. Show tickets will be handed out at the event and any tickets not collected will be returned to the Box Office.
All pre-show events will take place in an accessible space. Accessible seats can be booked for each matinee performance.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your access requirements in more detail, please email ovcommunity@oldvictheatre.com.
Please note, applications to join Matinee Idols are closed.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please email ovcommunity@oldvictheatre.com.
Event Location
Matinee Idols pre-show events take place in the Dance Hall of Waterloo Action Centre (14 Baylis Rd, London SE1 7AA) which is just across the road from The Old Vic and less than a 5 minute walk away.
Event Timings
All events take place before the matinee performances of each show. For shows that begin at 2.30pm the timings are as follows.*
11.30am: Doors open and there is time to get settled in with a tea or coffee
12pm: Workshop/Q&A/Talk
1pm: Lunch
1.45pm: End of the event
2.30pm: Matinee performance at The Old Vic
*Some matinee shows begin at 2pm. We will inform you of any change in the regular schedule when tickets go on sale via email and on the website. All timings are stated in the ticket reminder email.
Refreshments
We serve lunch at each event, which is always vegan and gluten free. Tea and coffee are provided as well as fruit and snacks. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat at the event if you prefer.
Your Matinee Idols paper ticket also gives you a 20% discount on food and drinks in the theatre cafe.
How to Book Tickets
We will let you know when Matinee Idols tickets will go on sale via email. You can then book via our website, on the phone or in person by visiting the theatre and speaking to our Box Office team.
To book over the phone, please call Box Office on 0344 871 7628.
Collecting Tickets
We will no longer be sending out e-tickets and you will only be able to collect your performance ticket in person at the pre-show event. If you can’t attend the pre-show event, you won’t be able to attend the matinee performance and your ticket will be returned for sale by the Box Office.
Attending Matinee Idols Events
By booking a Matinee Idols ticket you are automatically booked into the pre-show event. We offer two Matinee Idols performance and event dates per show across the season. There are five shows per season. You are welcome to book one Matinee Idols ticket for each show.
Booking an Additional Carer’s Ticket
Please call our Box Office team if you wish to book a Matinee Idols carer’s ticket. These tickets are also priced at £5 and the carer will be seated next to you in the auditorium.
Please let Box Office know of any relevant access needs.
How to Be Seated Next to Another Matinee Idols Member
Once you have both booked your tickets, please call our Box Office team and ask if you can sit next to each other. You will need the names of both Matinee Idols members.
Matinee Idols Agreement
By joining Matinee Idols you are agreeing to uphold the Old Vic’s OV for Everyone statement:
We ask that you read our An Old Vic for Everyone statement ahead of your visit. It explains what we expect from everyone who visits us and what to do if you experience or witness anything that does not uphold our values.