Casting has been announced for [*Heathers the Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/11652-heathers-the-musical), which returns to the West End later this month. The show will open at @sohoplace for a limited run.

Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe's musical about dangerous high school cliques was last seen in the West End in 2021.

The show will star Jenna Innes (*Les Misérables*), who returns as Veronica Sawyer. She is joined by Keelan McAuley (*Clueless, Grease*) as JD.

The titular...

Casting announced for 'Heathers the Musical' at @sohoplace

Heathers - UK Tour 2023 - 1200 LT Photo Credit Pamela Raith (3)

ITV’s *I Have a Dream* finalist Esme Bowdler, Sedona Sky, and Daisy Twells are the musical's titular Heathers. Jenna Innes returns to the show as Veronica Sawyer.

Summer in London means one thing: it's musicals season! Sure, we have fantastic musical theatre in the capital all year round, but the sunnier months always seem to be a particularly exciting time for big song-and-dance shows – ideal for filling the school holidays with [family trips to spectacular productions](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids).

You’ll find plenty of blockbuster West End entertainment this summer, thanks to the likes of *[Kiss, Me...

Top West End musicals to see this summer

Kiss Me Kate logo - LT - 1200

This essential list features all the musicals, from *Kiss Me, Kate* to *Hello, Dolly!*, that are perfect for a summer trip to the West End, whatever the weather.

Wilkommen! Four new actors will join the [*Cabaret*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/23939-cabaret-tickets) West End cast, beginning performances on 3 June at the [Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/playhouse-theatre).

*Heartstopper* star Rhea Norwood will make her professional stage debut as Sally Bowles alongside *Everybody’s Talking About Jamie* and *Bad Education* star Layton Williams as The Emcee. Norwood and Williams will perform in...

'Cabaret' sets new West End cast, including Rhea Norwood

cabaret cast 2024-1200x600-NYTG

*Heartstopper* star Norwood and *Bad Education*'s Layton Williams are among the new actors joining the seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical revival.

The world premiere of *My Neighbour Totoro* triumphed at the 2023 Olivier Awards, winning six categories out of its nine nominations at the ceremony. It’s a good time for the Studio Ghibli stage adaptation, too, as *My Neighbour Totoro* will open in the West End next year, with performances at the [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) from 8 March.

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* follows Satsuki and Mei,...

Here's why 'My Neighbour Totoro' deserved all the Oliviers

My Neighbour Totoro - 1200 - LT

Based on Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli film, *My Neighbour Totoro* will return to London later next year, opening at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Next year, the [Royal Shakespeare Company’s](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/royal-shakespeare-company) triumphant 2022 stage adaptation of [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/25389-my-neighbour-totoro) heads to the West End's [Gillian Lynne Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/gillian-lynne-theatre) for a third run due to enormous popular demand. The show won six Olivier Awards and broke the Barbican’s box office record for the most tickets...

What to expect from London shows based on Studio Ghibli films

Totoro - 1200 - LT - 270422

Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985. They are known for creating imaginative movies, including *My Neighbour Totoro* and *Spirited Away*.

A stage adaptation of television comedy *Inside No 9* will arrive in the West End next year. The show opens for a 12-week run at Wyndham's Theatre from 18 January 2025.

The TV show's original writers and performers Steve Pemberton (*The Pillowman*) and Reece Shearsmith (*A Very Expensive Poison*) will star in the West End show, titled *Stage/Fright*, which will blend original material with familiar characters from the series. 

Speaking about the announcement, Pemberton and Shearsmith said:...

Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's 'Inside No 9' to be adapted for the West End 

inside no 9 artwork 1200 LT

The TV show's original creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith will star in the West End adaptation when it opens next year. 

The hit musical comedy *Titanique* has confirmed plans for a West End run later this year. The show is currently performing at Off-Broadway venue the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The musical, which is co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022.

The parody of James Cameron's Oscar-winning *Titanic* film features a raft of Celine Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will...

'Titanique' confirms planned West End run

titanique 2023-1200x600-NYTG

The musical has received critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere off Broadway at Asylum Theater in 2022. It is currently at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

The British writer James Graham is on an incredible run at the moment. He just won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for *Dear England*, a fantastic drama about football manager Gareth Southgate, which enticed new audiences into theatre, and the musical *Tammy Faye*, for which he supplied the book, is opening on Broadway this autumn.

He’s also a prolific screenwriter, with recent hits including the crime series *Sherwood* and the dystopian drama *The Way*. Graham has that rare combination of...

Learn more about James Graham’s career ahead of 'Boys from the Blackstuff'

James Graham - 1200

From plays *Dear England* and *This House* to TV hits like *Sherwood*, Graham is unstoppable – and now his *Boys from the Blackstuff* is coming to the West End.

The bright lights of West End theatres are always appealing, but there are also a number of exciting Off-West End venues in the capital, such as the small but mighty [Bush Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/bush-theatre), which is nestled in west London.

This theatre has always punched above its weight, launching the careers of hugely successful writers such as James Graham and Lucy Kirkwood, as well as actors like Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman, Andrew Scott, and Phoebe...

A complete guide to the Bush Theatre

Bush Theatre credit Philip Vile

Get to know this exciting new-writing venue in west London, which has launched the careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Victoria Wood, among others.

The acclaimed screen and stage actor Ben Whishaw is back in town, starring in the premiere of Margaret Perry’s *[Bluets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/39930-bluets)* at the Royal Court. The play is an adaptation of Maggie Nelson’s book and follows someone obsessed with the colour blue – taking in artists like Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday as they navigate a devastating heartbreak.

Whishaw is joined in *Bluets* by *House of the Dragon* star Emma D’Arcy and *The Girl Before*’s Kayla...

Learn more about Ben Whishaw's career ahead of 'Bluets' at the Royal Court

Bluets logo - LT - 1200

The James Bond and *Paddington* actor is co-starring in this new adaptation of Maggie Nelson's book *Bluets* with Emma D'Arcy and Kayla Meikle.

There's no need to get stuck here. Take a look at the [*Groundhog Day*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27150-groundhog-day) cast in rehearsals. *Groundhog Day* begins previews at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) on 20 May, with an opening night on 8 June, and performances to 12 August.

[Andy Karl](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/andy-karl) leads *Groundhog Day* as Phil Connors, a weatherman who is sent to Punxsutawney, Philadelphia, to cover a seasonal event that could usher in the start of spring. But, as he wakes up in the small town, Phil realises he is caught in his own time loop. 

*Groundhog Day* reunites *Matilda* creatives Matthew Warchus and Tim Minchin. Tanisha Spring, Ashlee Irish, Andrew Langtree, Eve Norris, Annie Wensak, Billy Nevers, Kamilla Fernandes, Aimée Fisher, Nick Hayes, Chris Jenkins, Ben Redfern, Mark Pearce, Durone Stokes, Jez Unwin, Jacqueline Hughes, Alex Stoll, Jasmin Colangelo, Kelly Ewins-Prouse, Zack Guest, and Matthew Whennell-Clark also star. 

Book *Groundhog Day* tickets on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=27150&content_product_id=27150&venue_id=191) 

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6bAMPAqL2e6og71HoQAvIr/6242486479e1b5cfcb54d362b5fd7224/GD5-750-050523.jpg)

*Andy Karl and Tanisha Spring in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4tF1t9vOgpWRdPFmzukI3Y/de9063fe7f613e3df583fa1e43b1938a/GD4-750-050523.jpg)

*Andy Karl and cast in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6LcXz9k5LgkMr7xpfqs4HJ/3a6ac1de365b449aeb19e410cb82f8a9/GD3-750-050523.jpg)

*Tanisha Spring and Tim Minchin in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4uXbV0jh6VeXjFjdjX9N4Q/67d5b2e1111205cd143cfbcaa2ae4e5f/GD2-750-050523.jpg)

*Andy Karl in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3eqgLQQCB9CNw3aXgJpLEY/f9e331393dbc4b880fe11ed0998145ac/GD1-750-050523.jpg)

*Andy Karl in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

![Groundhog Day - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/14cwWCoOY2zEj08Pal4T8L/368bc59224ea0beddd58c9d80417ba07/GD6-750-050523.jpg)

*Andy Karl and cast in Groundhog Day rehearsals*

*Photo credit: Groundhog Day (Photos by Manuel Harlan)*

First look: ‘Groundhog Day,’ starring Andy Karl, in rehearsal photos

Groundhog Day - 1200 - LT

Suitable for Ages 12+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Groundhog Day - LON 

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day - Hero

Groundhog Day - LON  Product Media

Tanisha Spring (Rita Hanson) and Andy Karl (Phil Connors) in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic (2)

GHD3

GHD2

GHD1

GHD4

GHD Launch TodayTix 480x720

GHD Launch TodayTix 1080x1080

[Andy Karl](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/andy-karl) reprises his Olivier Award-winning performance as weatherman Phil Connors in the zany musical. *Groundhog Day* tickets are available on London Theatre now. 

The *Groundhog Day* musical is based on the 1993 *Groundhog Day* film of the same name, and both feature a script by Danny Rubin. The musical follows Phil Connors, a television weatherman who reassures viewers on 1 February that a blizzard will not hit western Pennsylvania. That same evening, he's sent on an assignment and begrudgingly travels to Punxsutawney, a small town 90 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, to cover the “Groundhog Day” festivities. 

Every year, an infamous groundhog —  Punxsutawney Phil — "predicts" the weather. But in a turn of events, Phil Connors is stuck in his own time loop. In order to prevent being forced to relive 2 February over and over again, Phil must change the way he approaches life, and the world around him. Will Phil stop being a cynic?

In a [2016 *Groundhog Day* review for London Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/groundhog-day-review-of-tim-minchins-new-musical-at-the-old-vic-theatre), our critic said: "Andy Karl pulls off the impressive feat of giving its inevitability a high-stakes tension. He's understandably bewildered by what's happening to him; then he throws caution to the wind and starts to enjoy the playfulness that he can have in knowing what's coming up; and finally, through eventual acceptance, to a beautiful understanding of himself. Andy Karl and the entire show are both spellbinding."

Andy Karl reprises the role of Phil Connors for *Groundhog Day* in 2023. The Broadway actor first played the role in 2016, and again for the Broadway transfer, picking up an Olivier Award and a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. 

### Who wrote the *Groundhog Day* musical?

Danny Rubin wrote the *Groundhog Day* musical. Some of the West End’s finest creatives reunite to collaborate on the *Groundhog Day* musical. Director Matthew Warchus and musician and lyricist Tim Minchin work together for the first time since *Matilda* — both musicals won Best Musical at the Olivier Awards. 

### What is the Groundhog Day tradition?

The “groundhog day” tradition hails from North America. Every 2 February, a groundhog is said to come out of its hibernation to one of two results. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, then spring is said to begin. If the animal sees its shadow, the groundhog returns to its hole — superstition says this ushers six more weeks of wintry weather. However, if you’re living a “groundhog day,” this means you’re living repeated days in the same way.

Tickets to *Groundhog Day* are available now. Book your *Groundhog Day* tickets on London Theatre today.


Groundhog Day - LON - London Theatre

Book theatre tickets for Groundhog Day in London. Choose your seats and find the best availability on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Groundhog Day Tickets | London Theatre

When Pittsburgh TV weatherman Phil Connors is sent on a country mission, he's caught on a time loop. Will he manage to break free? Andy Karl reprises his Olivier-winning performance in *Groundhog Day* at the Old Vic. Get *Groundhog Day* tickets on London Theatre.

*Groundhog Day* reunites two theatrical geniuses: director Matthew Warchus and musician and lyricist Tim Minchin. They previously created *Matilda the Musical* for the Royal Shakespeare Company — both *Matilda* and *Groundhog Day* took home Oliviers for Best New Musical. They’re joined by a fine creative team, including set and costume designer Rob Howell, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, and sound designer Simon Baker.

In order to bring the film to life, *Groundhog Day* needs a zingy, witty script. Thankfully, the film’s screenwriter, Danny Rubin, returns to create an entertaining musical story. The original film is preserved in the National Film Registry, and its storyline is utilised as a religious fable. Let's hope the West End musical is similarly preserved in the hearts and minds of theatregoers.

## What to Watch For: 

- Andy Karl will play weatherman Phil Connors. He originated the role at the Old Vic in 2016, and later played Phil in *Groundhog Day* on Broadway. Karl won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor.
- The first “Groundhog Day” celebration of its kind took place at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on 2 Feb. 1887. Every 2 February, if a groundhog does not see its shadow, then spring can begin. If the animal sees its shadow, the groundhog returns to its hole — superstition then says this ushers six weeks of winter. The annual event is now a three-day long festival. 
- The tradition is based on Candlemas, an ancient Christian tradition dating back to the 4th century, in which religious leaders celebrated the light after winter

Groundhog Day - LON - TodayTix

Get the best prices on theatre tickets for Groundhog Day on TodayTix. The five-star Olivier Award-winning musical returns to The Old Vic.

Groundhog Day Tickets | London | TodayTix

Groundhog Day - LON - Box Office

Buy tickets for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic in London. Find official theatre tickets to Musicals with Box Office.

Groundhog Day Tickets | Box Office

If any show was tailor-made for repeat viewings, it’s [*Groundhog Day*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27150-groundhog-day). It’s not just the inspired time-loop premise of Danny Rubin’s tale – first seen in his 1993 existential romcom movie, then in this stage musical adaptation with Tim Minchin for the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) in 2016 – but the extraordinary intricacy of both writing and staging, which mean that each encounter with it reveals new wonders. This fresh run proves once again that the production is a timeless triumph.

The magnificent [Andy Karl](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/a-complete-guide-to-groundhog-day-starring-andy-karl), who won an Olivier for his smooth-talking, jaded weatherman Phil Connors, reprises the role. Phil becomes trapped in the small town of Punxsutawney, Philadelphia, after reluctantly reporting on whether its resident groundhog has seen its shadow, which would mean six more weeks of winter. Or, as he grumbles in his dismissive opening number, “talking to hicks about magical beavers.” 

Matthew Warchus (who also collaborated with Minchin on [*Matilda*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/305-matilda-the-musical-tickets)) creates his own kind of magic through the astonishing repetitions in Phil’s purgatorial trap – even slicker here in this streamlined revival. Each scene has to play out exactly as it did on the “previous” *Groundhog Day*, but with subtle variations (like *Constellations* on a larger scale), as Phil is first baffled, then infuriated, liberated, nihilistic, and finally accepting of his situation.

There are incredible feats of staging in which Karl seems to be in two places at once (the illusions, by Paul Kieve, draw rapturous applause) while the ensemble, brilliantly drilled by Lizzi Gee, has absolute clockwork precision. That’s balanced with endearingly low-tech theatrical solutions to questions like “How do you stage a car chase?” Answer: with handheld miniature vehicles and houses, and a dose of knowing humour.

But *Groundhog Day* isn’t just a logistical tour de force: it’s also a complex, witty, and deeply empathetic drama. Karl delivers an even richer portrait of Phil this time around – and, unlike Bill Murray’s laconic version, his begins explicitly sleazy, nasty, and supercilious. In fact, there’s a hint of *Succession*: You could easily imagine Kendall Roy, as Phil does here, demanding the cops find a “fast lane for celebrities” through the blizzard-struck roads.

He initially uses his time-warp existence to fuel his predatory pickup artist activities – as though each woman is a level on a video game he can keep playing until he wins it. But he can’t bullshit his way into his producer Rita’s heart (or bed), and it’s only when he takes a genuine interest in other people’s lives, instead of manipulating them for his own benefit, that he finds meaning and purpose. 

Karl manages that transition expertly. He’s aided by Minchin’s dazzling, eclectic score, which darts between an incisive takedown of those who promise cure-all solutions – from religious fanatics to alternative therapists proffering reiki or enemas – and a jagged, daringly bleak grunge-rock song as Phil tries various methods of suicide.

Phil eventually discovers that love is in the details – a luminous idea reflected formally in Minchin’s exquisite craftsmanship. There isn’t one lazy rhyme or vague platitude. His lyrics teem with pithy phrases, specific and vivid references, and challenging ideas. It honours an ambitious story that, beneath its droll satire, asks nothing less than what life is for. 

If not quite as fully developed as Phil, the show’s Rita has more of a voice than in the film and stronger agency. Her funniest number articulates the dilemma of the modern woman, who wants a respectful partner, yet guiltily fantasises about a strong man tossing her over his shoulder. Tanisha Spring brings a radiant warmth, shrewd intelligence, and gorgeous vocals to the role, and she has a lovely slow-burn chemistry with Karl.

The best gag in the piece comes when Phil asks two barflies “What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and every day was exactly the same, and nothing you did mattered?” – kicking off a cracking honky-tonk country song in which they express exactly the same defeated sentiment. It's marvellous melancholic (and alcoholic) comic timing from Nick Hayes and Chris Jenkins.

But Minchin also subverts our expectations with several punchline characters, emphasising that everyone has a story worth hearing. In the second half, Andrew Langtree’s annoying, squeaky-voiced insurance salesman Ned Ryerson opens up a well of grief, while Eve Norris passionately delivers a blistering meta-song about being cast as perky, sexualised characters like Phil’s one-night stand Nancy. 

Dismayingly, that latter point feels as pertinent as ever, as do the microaggressions and casual misogyny that come Rita’s way in the workplace. Although she’s a capable 36-year-old associate producer, Phil dismissively calls her “Kid.”

Other elements struck differently post-Covid. We’ve all now experienced that *Groundhog Day* horror of being trapped – strongly evoked in Rob Howell’s claustrophobic hotel room set, nightmarishly lit by Hugh Vanstone. The core point about living for the moment, since no one can “forecast” the future or know when it all might end, hits home with almighty power. 

But the biggest takeaway is the solace that Phil finds when he immerses himself in a community – our greatest loss during the pandemic, both on and off stage. There’s immense joy in both big set pieces like the ensemble doing a soft (snow) shoe shuffle together, and in small moments of human connection. 

Lets hope *Groundhog Day* makes it to the West End this time, so we can savour its brilliance again, and again, and again...

[*Groundhog Day* is at the Old Vic through 19 August. Book *Groundhog Day* tickets on London Theatre.](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/27150-groundhog-day)

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=27150&content_product_id=27150&venue_id=191) 

*Photo credit: Groundhog Day at the Old Vic. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)*

'Groundhog Day' review – this extraordinary musical is a total triumph, again

Groundhog Day - LT - 1200

Read our five-star review of *Groundhog Day*, starring Andy Karl, now in performances at the Old Vic through 19 August.

Born in Baltimore, United States, in 1973, Andy Karl is an Olivier Award-winning actor. In the United Kingdom, he’s best known for playing weatherman Phil Connors in *Groundhog Day*. Like the film, history will repeat itself, as Karl plays Phil in *Groundhog Day* at the Old Vic in 2023.

After graduating from Towson University with a degree in voice and music, Karl made his stage debut as the Rum Tum Tugger in a US tour of *Cats*. He then made his New York debut in Stephen Sondheim’s *Saturday Night* at Second Stage Theatre in 2000, alongside Lauren Ward and Christopher Debut. 

That same year, Karl made his Broadway debut as Joey in *Saturday Night Fever* at the Minskoff Theatre. His Broadway career continued: David Fonda in *The Wedding Singer*, Chad and Kyle in *Legally Blonde,* Joe in *9 to 5*, Fiyero in *Wicked,* Tommy DeVito in *Jersey Boys* and Neville Landless in *The Mystery of Edwin Drood.*

In 2014, Karl played his first lead role in a Broadway musical, taking on boxer Rocky Balboa in *Rocky* at the Winter Garden Theatre. [Read reviews of *Rocky* on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/rocky). For *Rocky*, Karl received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. 

A year later, he was then cast as Bruce Granit in *On The Twentieth Century* earning a second Tony nomination. In a [five-star review on New York Theatre Guide](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/on-the-twentieth-century), a critic said: "this is a musical of extraordinary proportions. It is as fine a production as you will find anywhere. And if musicals are your preferred theatrical flavor, you will be in h-e-a-v-e-n."

Recently, he originated the role of Edward Lewis, as portrayed in the film by Richard Gere, in *Pretty Woman: The Musical* at the Nederlander Theatre. He starred opposite [Samantha Barks](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/samantha-barks) in the Broadway musical.

In 2016, Karl made his West End debut as Phil Connors in *Groundhog Day*, eventually winning the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Following the London run, he starred in the Broadway transfer, and received his third Tony Award nomination. In 2023, Karl reprises the role for the Old Vic. 


Andy Karl - LON

Read more about Andy Karl on stage in London.

Andy Karl - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

Andy Karl - LON - 124x124px

A Christmas Carol | Old Vic - LON [24716] 

A Christmas Carol | Old Vic

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

The Old Vic, originally named the Royal Coburg Theatre, was designed in 1818 by Rudolph Cabanel. Its name was later changed to the Royal Victoria Theatre, then the Royal Victoria Hall, before it took on its nickname of 'The Old Vic' as its official name in 1925. 

The Old Vic has housed acclaimed performances with such celebrated actors as John Gielgud’s *Hamlet*, Laurence Olivier’s *Macbeth* and *Othello* in 1937, and Judi Dench’s Juliet in *Romeo and Juliet*, which was privately performed for The Queen in 1957.

In 1963, the Old Vic became the home base of the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre) of Great Britain during its formation under Laurence Olivier. The theatre continued to host the National Theatre until the move to South Bank in 1976. 

There are two entrances to the Old Vic: one on The Cut and the other on Waterloo Road, which is an accessible entrance. In 2019, 'Penny', an accessible basement cafe and bar was opened, offering drinks, sandwiches and snacks. 

## Old Vic Seating Information

The auditorium has three levels - Stalls, Dress Circle, and the Lilian Baylis Circle.

Despite the Dress Circle overhang, this doesn’t affect the view due to pillars. There is also a staggered rake that will be noticeable from row J to allow better viewing.

The Lilian Baylis Circle is high above the ground and overhangs the Dress Circle at row C meaning row E will miss the top of the stage. There are also standing seats available at the sides of this circle.

The Old Vic - LON

OldVic-644x322px

Old Vic

Explore West End shows, book last minute theatre tickets, and more

Discover London

London All Shows Image

Latest London Insider Posts

London 

London Tile Image

Venues in London

OldVic-SeatingMap-644x956px

The Olivier-winning musical returns to the Old Vic this summer. Andy Karl reprises the role of Pittsburgh weatherman Phil Connors who is caught in a time loop.


First look: ‘Groundhog Day,’ starring Andy Karl, in rehearsal photos

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!