The Old Vic

The Old Vic was opened in 1818 and is located by Waterloo Station, Southbank, Imperial War Museum and the London Eye. It has a capacity of 1067 and is currently run by the The Old Vic Theatre Trust.

BOOKING

LOCATION

Now Showing

ACCESS

SEAT

Coming Soon

Previous shows

booking

Booking was easily made via The Old Vic website. You do need to have previously registered for access tickets to be able to book wheelchair seats. The Old Vic have a helpful guide to registering for access tickets on their website click here for more information.

Once registered you just need to log into your account and access tickets will be shown on the booking page if available. The access and step free seating is usually located in the stalls so it's advisable to check there first. If no seats are available try another date as most shows are popular and fill up quickly.

Previously the non transfer seats were located mid way back in the stalls, however for the next few performances the theatre is in the round and the non-transfer accessible seating is in row D and C.

Accessibility

Access Overview

Access to the theatre is via a side door on Webber Street. There is level access through this door into a platform lift to the stalls.

There is a bar on stalls level and a lift to a lower bar with accessible toilet. The bar areas however these get very busy before the show and during the intervals.

It was also difficult accessing the lift at the end of the show as it was very busy, so its advisable to wait until the theatre is emptier.

Access Host

The access host was excellent.

They met us at the front door and held the queue whilst they escorted us into the stalls area via the lift.

They checked on us in the interval and at the end of the show.

Toilet Facilities

There are two accessible toilets. One on the lower ground floor of the theatre which is a good size with plenty of space for a side transfer. However there is not a lot of space to wait If the toilet is occupied without blocking a gangway. I ended up waiting by the lift which was fine because no one else was using the lift but I would have struggled to find somewhere to wait if I had to move out of the way.

The second accessible toilet is located to the left hand side of the stalls. This is a much smaller and tighter toilet, Barely big enough to fit a compact chair and with no turning space. I required assistance opening and closing the doors as my chair got stuck due to the limited space but the location is convenient (especially if you are sat on the left side of the theatre) and there are no problematic interval crowds. However during shows in 'the round' the stalls toilet was not available.

Seat & View

For the next year the staging at The Old Vic will be in the round. This offers 4 non transfer wheelchair and companion spaces in C or D depending on the show. They remove the seat in Row C and D to offer a large space. The space is very close to the stage and has a very immersive feel.

For previous shows two non transfer spaces were available on a raised platform where the only small complaint I had was that you feel slightly separated from your companion but that doesn't matter when the show starts. The view of the stage was great and I could see the whole performance and I was not blocking anyone behind me. The only issue is other patrons accessing their seats need to hug a column or negotiate the raised platform.

Click here for seatplan