The Old Vic officially unveils new Backstage building

The Old Vic has officially opened its new creative hub, Backstage, marking the first expansion of the theatre’s footprint in over two centuries.

The new building, located next to the venue on Waterloo Road, is designed to house education, community and artistic activity, and to make the theatre more accessible to the public.

Backstage includes a new café and bar, a free-to-use Script Library, an outdoor terrace and an events space. The building also houses the Greene Studio, a rehearsal and performance space supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Clore Learning Centre, which will enable The Old Vic’s education and outreach work to take place on-site for the first time. A Writers’ Room, Green Room and education offices are also part of the new facilities.

Outgoing artistic director Matthew Warchus and executive director Laura Stevenson were joined by guests from across the industry to celebrate the opening, including Sheila Atim, Indira Varma and Danny Sapani. 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.”

Designed by Haworth Tompkins Architects, Backstage has been awarded BREEAM Excellent certification for its sustainable approach, featuring low-carbon timber, passive ventilation and the reuse of salvaged materials, including old theatre lighting repurposed into the building’s façade.

The £17.2 million project was funded through a combination of public and private support, with major contributions from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Mayor of London through the Good Growth Fund.