Looking back at 2020
Our building may have been closed for most of the year but we have still been busy working hard to ensure we are engaging with our audiences, supporters, schools and local community throughout the pandemic.
On 15 March 2020 we took the decision to suspend our production of Endgame in a double bill with Rough for Theatre II.
Whilst we have no reason to disagree with current scientific and government advice on coping with the Coronavirus, given the new travel and other restrictions in place it is nevertheless becoming increasingly impractical to sustain business as usual at our theatre (1 of 3)
— The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) March 15, 2020
On 18 March we closed our theatre.
In light of the latest government advice we have decided to temporarily close our beloved theatre and postpone our production of 4000 Miles until after theatres are able to re-open in order to play our part in ensuring the country moves beyond this as swiftly as possible.
— The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) March 18, 2020
On 20 March, the Tech team left the building.
Goodbye from The Old Vic Tech team – for now… #WellBeBack pic.twitter.com/vffZ9jzRoU
— The Old Vic (@oldvictheatre) March 20, 2020
BUT NOT FOR LONG…
The seats in our auditorium have been empty for one of the longest periods since the Second World War – but our theatre has been alive during lockdown, our audiences (old and new) have supported us throughout, and it was impossible to keep live theatre from our iconic stage, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
We’ve been proud to share our work and free resources on the most accessible and far-reaching scale than ever before, all without the safety net of regular public subsidy and whilst operating with a 90% drop in income.
If we are to continue to offer live theatre and invaluable educational and creative experiences as we work towards reopening, and to rebuild the reserves we desperately need to be able to continue operating, we’ll need your help.
HOW YOU CAN HELP WHILE WE ARE CLOSED
Buy a ticket Make a donation Become a Friend or gift a Membership Become an individual supporter Share our resourcesWHILE YOU WERE AWAY
- OLD VIC: IN CAMERA
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Live performances streamed globally from The Old Vic stage to 33,647 homes in 79 countries
Old Vic: In Camera – LUNGS
with Claire Foy and Matt Smith
26 Jun–04 Jul 2020
Old Vic: In Camera – Three Kings
With Andrew Scott
03–05 Sep 2020
Old Vic: In Camera – Faith Healer
With Michael Sheen, David Threlfall and Indira Varma
16–19 Sep 2020
Old Vic: In Camera – A Christmas Carol
With Andrew Lincoln as Scrooge
12–24 Dec 2020
- YOUR OLD VIC
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Audiences have visited our digital channels to be entertained, educated and inspired with freely available content, both old and new.
A Monster Calls
Available to watch for free from 05–11 Jun 2020
Wise Children
Available to watch for free from 19–26 Jun 2020
Mood Music
Available to watch for free from 14–21 Jul
Jekyll & Hyde
Available to watch for free from 05–12 Aug
THE GREATEST WEALTH
Available to watch now
Burn
Available to watch now
Remembrance
Available to watch now
PlayCrush
CREATIVES’ CORNER
Ella Hickson spoke with emerging talent from across different creative disciplines to gain an insight into what it means to be working in theatre today. Look back here.
- Education Hub
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A free resource for beneficiaries of all ages from 90 countries across the world, featuring:
- Inside guides to directing, playwriting and sound design
- Workshops on directing, sound design, puppet making and playwriting
- Wellbeing exercises
- Working from home study guides
- Interview preparation workshop
- Aspirational view exercises
- Education & Community Projects
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OV PEN PALS
Connecting people intergenerationally through letter writing. Learn more here.
ZOOM GAME EXCHANGES
Free online game exchanges for teachers and parents. Learn more here.
TAKE THE LEAD
A free employability programme for students aged 15–18. Learn more here.
SCHOOLS CLUB
Free theatre tickets, bespoke workshops and education resources for schools. Learn more here.
CURTAIN UP
Free workshops and performances for community groups across the UK. Learn more here.
FRONT LINE ONLINE
Digital workshops designed to help people aged 18–25 take their next steps in employment. Learn more here.
OLD VIC THEATRE MAKERS
A free six-month online programme for 18–25 year olds to develop creative connections and create a toolkit to discuss and make theatre in the midst of our changing society. Learn more here.
- STILL TO COME
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IN CAMERA: PLAYBACK – THREE KINGS
02–04 Dec 2020
Get tickets
IN CAMERA: PLAYBACK – FAITH HEALER
20–22 Jan 2021
Get Tickets
IN CAMERA: PLAYBACK – LUNGS
27–29 Jan 2021
Get Tickets
