The Old Vic

Theater Historic London theatre known for classic productions

Near Waterloo, The Old Vic stages classic and contemporary theatre within a compact auditorium and long repertory tradition. Audiences come for director‑driven seasons, revivals and a sense of British stage history.

Main image

The Old Vic is a historic theatre in London established in 1818 and located near Waterloo in the South Bank area. Over two centuries it has been an influential producing theatre known for classical repertory and high-profile artistic directors.

The venue stages plays, revivals and new productions and has historically been associated with notable actors and directors in British theatre. Its compact auditorium and long theatrical tradition make it a central institution in London’s theatre scene.

Originally opened in the early 19th century, the theatre has undergone multiple renovations and programme changes while maintaining continuous cultural prominence. It continues to operate as a producing house with a regular season of work.

The Old Vic sits a short walk from Waterloo Station and the South Bank cultural district, making it easily reachable from central London transport links.

  • Founding: Founded as a theatre in 1818 and known for its long history of producing classic and contemporary drama.
  • Size and location: Located near Waterloo and the South Bank, it functions as a producing theatre with a seating capacity of roughly one thousand.
The Old Vic
The Old Vic, The Cut, Lambeth, London SE1 8NB, United Kingdom
51.5022, -0.1095
Box office hours vary; generally Tue-Sat daytime and performance evenings
Ticket prices vary by show; concessions for students and seniors

How to Get to The Old Vic #

Located in Waterloo on The Cut, a short walk from Waterloo station (National Rail and Underground) and close to the South Bank arts corridor.

Tips for Visiting The Old Vic #

  • Book well in advance for popular productions - The Old Vic is small and sells out.
  • Take a look at the theater's historic facade and note plaques commemorating famous actors linked to the venue.
  • Check the bar and lobby for program notes - they often contain essays and production context worth reading.

Best Time to Visit The Old Vic #

Best during the theatre season when premieres and notable productions appear; book tickets early.

Autumn/Winter
September-January · 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Main theatre season with new productions opening.
Spring
March-May · 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Some transfers and festivals; smaller audience sizes for matinees.

Weather & Climate near The Old Vic #

Climate

The Old Vic's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (644 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.7h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.3h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

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