Old Vic

historical theater, London, United Kingdom

Also known as: Royal Coburg, Royal Victoria, Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern(Show More)

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July 1, 2026

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The Old Vic is a historic theatre located in Lambeth, London. Originally opened in 1818 as the Royal Coburg, it was renamed the Royal Victoria and became known as the Old Vic in 1833. Under the management of Emma Cons, it became a music hall and performance space. Her niece, Lilian Baylis, later established a regular Shakespeare season, making the Old Vic London's only permanent Shakespearean theatre by 1918.1

The theatre building was damaged during World War II. After repairs, it served as the temporary home for the new National Theatre from 1963 to 1976. The Old Vic has since been refurbished and used by various theatre companies.12

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Old Vic
…became popularly known as the Old Vic. Under the management (1880–1912) of Emma Cons, a social reformer, the Old Vic was transformed into a temperance amusement hall known as the Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern, where musical concerts and scenes from Shakespeare and opera were performed. Lilian Baylis, Emma…
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…became popularly known as the Old Vic. Under the management (1880–1912) of Emma Cons, a social reformer, the Old Vic was transformed into a temperance amusement hall known as the Royal Victoria Hall and Coffee Tavern, where musical concerts and scenes from Shakespeare and opera were performed. Lilian Baylis, Emma…
Read More

Lilian Mary Baylis
…converted the hall into the Old Vic, which became world famous as the home of Shakespearean productions. Between 1914 and 1923 the theatre staged all of William Shakespeare’s plays—a feat no other modern playhouse had attempted. The productions mounted under Baylis’s management were praised for their simplicity and outstanding acting.…
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…converted the hall into the Old Vic, which became world famous as the home of Shakespearean productions. Between 1914 and 1923 the theatre staged all of William Shakespeare’s plays—a feat no other modern playhouse had attempted. The productions mounted under Baylis’s management were praised for their simplicity and outstanding acting.…
Read More