What to expect at The Old Vic
Anyone who visits or works at The Old Vic is engaged in a culture that values care and compassion for others and has a responsibility to ensure that a great experience is had by all.
Discriminatory remarks, attitudes or behaviour — racist, homophobic, sexist etc. — towards any group or characteristic at The Old Vic are not acceptable. We are all part of making this theatre a welcoming, inspiring and inclusive space where everyone feels they belong.
As guests, employees, visiting performers or artists, and patrons of The Old Vic, we are all responsible for our behaviour and actions within the space. We are all accountable for how we speak or act and should consider at all times how those actions might be affecting other people around us.
If you experience, or witness, a negative or discriminatory interaction here, let any member of staff know and we will take action. Speak to a member of the Front of House or Box Office team, to the FOH Duty Manager or Bar Manager.
Whilst wearing a face covering is no longer a requirement, visitors are welcome to wear them if they feel more comfortable.
We have two entrances: one is on The Cut running directly in front of the theatre and the other is on Waterloo Road – this entrance is wheelchair accessible with lift access to the Box Office, inner foyer and the loos on the basement level.
There will be bag checks in operation at all entrances of The Old Vic and bags larger than a rucksack are not admitted into the building.
All tickets for our in-person performances are issued as E-TICKETS. This will be emailed to you within 24 hours of making your booking. Please keep this email safe as you’ll need to display this on your phone upon arrival (please do not print your e-ticket).
If you do not have access to a smartphone email us at box.office@oldvictheatre.com or call us on 0344 871 7628 and the team will be able to help.
Please make sure you can access your e-ticket at all times, as ushers will ask you to show your ticket when entering and re-entering the auditorium.
If you need the loo, our Front of House team will guide you to the nearest depending on where you are seated.
In the Penny bar and cafe on the basement level there are two loo blocks. A loo block of 11 cubicles only which includes one baby change and one accessible ‘roomier’ loo; and a separate loo block of seven urinals with two cubicles, one of which is an accessible ‘roomier’ loo. There is also a separate wheelchair accessible loo and a separate gender neutral loo with an enclosed sink.
On the Baylis Circle level on the third floor there are two loo blocks. A loo block of 12 cubicles only which includes one baby change and one accessible ‘roomier’ loo; and a separate loo block of eight urinals, with one cubicle that is also a baby change.
There is another wheelchair accessible loo within the auditorium itself for those with access requirements only.
Please choose the loo that feels most appropriate for you.
You will find baby changing facilities in the wheelchair accessible and the accessible ‘roomier’ loos in Penny and the accessible ‘roomier’ loo on the Baylis Circle level.
Whether you have a ticket for one of our shows or you’d just like to drop in for a drink and a snack, we’re your all-day and late-night neighbourhood cafe-bar with a heart – and you don’t need a ticket to come inside. With a passion for ethical production, sustainability and local produce, it’s a place to grab your morning coffee, share a healthy, hearty meal and end your night once all the pubs (and shows) have closed.
DO YOU TAKE CASH?
Our bars currently accept cash, card and contactless payments. However, inside the auditorium our ushers selling merchandise and food can only accept card or contactless payments.
No glass is allowed inside the auditorium. You can take sweets and chocolate into the show with you but we ask for these items to be as quiet as possible (no wrappings) so that everyone can hear the action on stage. You cannot take hot food in with you.
Our cloakroom is located in the Foyer, to the right of the bar. You may bring small bags into the auditorium or leave them in the cloakroom, but we will not be able to hold larger bags or suitcases in the cloakroom, and these will also not be admitted into the auditorium.
Bag checks are in operation at all entrances of The Old Vic.
Once you’re seated in the auditorium, please switch your phone to aeroplane mode.
Photos and filming are not allowed in the auditorium at any point during a performance or curtain call. However, we do understand that you may want to record and share a memory of your visit to us, so we do permit photographs before the lights go down so long as no element of our stage and scenery is included. Please respect our copyright.
We advise that you turn your phone to aeroplane mode (rather than switching it to silent) to make sure everyone’s experience is as enjoyable as possible.
We welcome assistance animals. Please contact access@oldvictheatre.com or call us on 0344 8717628 if you wish to make specific arrangements for you and your assistance animal.
Audience photography and filming is not allowed in the auditorium at any point during a performance or curtain call. However, we do understand that you may want to record and share a memory of your visit to us, so we do permit photographs before the lights go down so long as no element of our stage and scenery is included. Please respect our copyright.
Photography and filming of our audience will occasionally take place during performances and in our Front of House areas to help promote The Old Vic and our activities. If you do not wish to be photographed or have your image used in any promotional material, or if you would like a photo removed from any material produced by The Old Vic, please email data@oldvictheatre.com.
You should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. There is no dress code and formal dress is not expected.
Most shows will have an interval which usually lasts 15–20 minutes and takes place approximately halfway through the show. This is your chance to collect your pre-ordered drinks or go to the loo. You need to take your e-ticket with you for security reasons so you can get back into the theatre. Staff will put a call out when it is time for the show to start again, so you won’t miss anything.
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Children under three are not permitted into the auditorium, unless specified in the age guidance. Babes in arms (under 18 months) are permitted at relaxed performances. Please check the age guidance before booking.