From bombsite to Backstage: Old Vic opens its 17 million extension building

"The theatre's first extension in 200 years is a mix of expanding its building and also providing new public spaces and an obligatory cafe. The £17 million didn't just go on the extension though as much of it was spent on the rest of the theatre improvements in the back-of-house facilities. The Backstage building has replaced a small cafe that sat slightly awkwardly in a gap between two larger buildings, as it was a temporary replacement for a building damaged by bombs during WWII."

"Now that it's finished, a new double-height space houses The Old Vic's play script library, allowing members of the public free access to the theatre's script archive for the first time. Upper floors include a new Clore Learning Centre, and they have converted the rehearsal room into a pop-up Studio space. There's also more office space for staff, as well as a meeting room and terrace that can be hired for events."

Waterloo's Old Vic completed a £17 million Backstage extension—the first extension in 200 years—combining expanded facilities with new public spaces and a cafe. Much of the budget funded back-of-house improvements and replaced a temporary post‑WWII cafe. The project is the second phase after an earlier public-side upgrade; a time capsule was buried before construction. A new double-height space houses The Old Vic's play script library with free public access. Upper floors include a Clore Learning Centre, a pop-up Studio, extra offices, and hireable meeting and terrace spaces. The extension adds a refreshed green room and quiet writers' area, supports 20 new or enhanced activities, aims to benefit 10,000 more people annually, and installs a lift providing step-free access to stage and rehearsal rooms.

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