01 February 2022
Newsdesk
Today, we are delighted to announce more shows for 2022, including:
The world premiere of Mike Bartlett’s new play The 47th, directed by Rupert Goold and with Bertie Carvel, Tamara Tunie and Lydia Wilson in a co-production with Sonia Friedman Productions & Annapurna Theatre
The London premiere of Old Vic Baylis Director Tinuke Craig’s five-star production of Jitney, by August Wilson, in a co-production with Headlong & Leeds Playhouse
The return of annual festive favourite A Christmas Carol, written by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus
The return of Christmas Storytelling with Michael Rosen
Plus Voices Off: What Makes a Parent? brings together an expert panel to discuss the themes explored in our current production, A Number
On today’s announcement Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director, said:
‘Tonight, Caryl Churchill’s A Number opens in our theatre with Paapa Essiedu and Lennie James. 20 years on from its world premiere, the play feels as vibrant as ever.
Alongside the opening of A Number, we are very happy to announce three new productions at The Old Vic for 2022 – a topical world premiere, a modern classic and the return of a treasured favourite.
Mike Bartlett’s new play, The 47th, offers a provocative look at our not-too-distant future with equally hilarious and chilling consequences. Directed by Rupert Goold, Mike Bartlett’s zeitgeisty verse play shines a light on the 2024 presidential race – as he did for the coronation in his Olivier Award-winning play King Charles III.
In June, our Baylis Director Tinuke Craig will revisit her critically acclaimed production of August Wilson’s powerful modern classic Jitney for its London premiere, following a successful run at Leeds Playhouse last year, prior to it going on tour. This is a great play and I’m delighted to be presenting Tinuke’s hit production together with Headlong and Leeds Playhouse.
Today also sees the announcement of the return of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jack Thorne. We continue to learn from, and cherish, this great tale of love and charity and it’s been wonderful to see so many families moved and entertained by the production each year.
From the future to the past and the present, and wherever each production takes you, I hope that you will find that The Old Vic continues to share evocative and impactful stories that provoke empathy, shed light and delight. It’s been hard being apart from audiences – thank you to those who have already ventured back, and we’re throwing our arms open to all those who we hope will visit soon.’
THE 47TH
By Mike Bartlett
Directed by Rupert Goold
With Bertie Carvel, Tamara Tunie & Lydia Wilson
An Old Vic, Sonia Friedman Productions & Annapurna Theatre co-production
WORLD PREMIERE
29 Mar–28 May 2022, press night 08 Apr 2022
‘It’s not a game for gentlemen we’re playing,
Political and civilized. This is
Historic’
It is 2024 and as America goes to the polls, democracy itself is on the brink. Who takes the White House – and at what cost?
The team behind the multi award-winning King Charles III reunite as Rupert Goold directs the world premiere of Mike Bartlett’s viciously funny The 47th, a chaotic glimpse into the underbelly of the greatest political show on earth – the next presidential race. With Bertie Carvel as Donald Trump, Tamara Tunie as Kamala Harris and Lydia Wilson as Ivanka Trump.
Suitable for ages 12+.
This production is brought to The Old Vic in collaboration with Fictional Company and Almeida Theatre.
JITNEY
By August Wilson
Directed by Tinuke Craig
An Old Vic, Headlong & Leeds Playhouse co-production
09 Jun–09 Jul 2022, press night 15 Jun 2022
‘It don't always turn out like you think it is. You don't always have the kind of life that you dream about. You know what I mean?’
Jim Becker and his unlicensed drivers take the people of Pittsburgh Hill District where regular taxi cabs won’t – healing old wounds and tearing new ones as they pass the time in a condemned taxi rank between pick-ups.
Directed by Tinuke Craig (The Color Purple), August Wilson’s (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) groundbreaking modern classic explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love and work in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America. Cast includes: Geoff Aymer, Leanne Henlon, Wil Johnson, Leemore Marrett Jr and Tony Marshall.
Suitable for ages 12+.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A version by Jack Thorne
Directed by Matthew Warchus
An Old Vic production
12 Nov 2022–07 Jan 2023, press night 23 Nov 2022
Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, His Dark Materials).
The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story.
A heart-warming, tear-jerking, magical production. The perfect start to Christmas @louloufrascatti
A fresh and engaging retelling of a classic masterpiece @CharlieRogersUS
A humbling and humanising show that reminds us to act with compassion and generosity, not just this holiday season, but each time we’re called to do so @buenkie
Had my heart both broken and warmed, often at the same time, tonight by A Christmas Carol. What a joy of a production @billiwilliams
How wonderful to be able to share something so special @WendyCarey2
So astonishingly beautiful. Such an accomplishment. So important @justawaystogo
This superb production resonates profoundly and is such a timely reminder to live life deliberately @FloodAideen
What a joy and privilege this was to see @CFYetmen
I would run out of superlatives to describe the joy of this @piphilthims
Thank you Old Vic for restoring my faith in humanity and reminding me why I love the theatre @JenLane2
Suitable for ages 8+.
MORE AT THE OLD VIC
We are passionate about developing work that supports productions on the main stage and providing audiences with new ways to engage with The Old Vic.
CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING
WITH MICHAEL ROSEN
Sat 17 Dec 2022, 9.30am–10.30am
With the auditorium transformed for this year’s A Christmas Carol, gather round The Old Vic stage for a morning of festive storytelling magic.
Much-loved children’s author and poet Michael Rosen returns to The Old Vic to read from some of his own favourites for children aged 6+.
VOICES OFF
Voices Off is a programme of talks, conversations and debates given by leading voices in the arts, media, science and politics that explore the themes raised by the productions on our main stage in creative ways.
WHAT MAKES A PARENT?
Voices Off – talks and debates inspired by our productions
Mon 07 Mar 2022, 9pm
‘Your father’s not young when you’re small is he? He’s not any age, he’s more a power.’
Caryl Churchill’s A Number explores the impact that parents have on the lives of their children. As three young men are confronted with new revelations about their childhoods, the play asks profound questions about who we might have been if we had grown up in different circumstances.
What makes a parent? is a Voices Off talk exploring different models of parenting through a diverse and contemporary range of perspectives.
Panel to be announced.
TOMORROW AT THE OLD VIC
This year, The Old Vic will break ground on the £15m capital project to create The Annex, with preparatory works starting in the spring. The Old Vic is a theatre unique in its commitment to social mobility and, for over a decade, the theatre has led the way in offering employability training resources, and groundbreaking cultural education programmes to people from its local community and beyond. The Annex will be for all people to come together to meet, create, explore and learn, and to support the theatre in going further in achieving its ambition to reach more people than ever before. We will create a Clore Learning Centre, a studio theatre space and a lively café and bar, and offer free access to interactive technology, a digital archive and a playtexts library. The project will also transform the accessibility of our existing building, creating step-free access to the Stage Door, stage, backstage and dressing rooms for the first time in 200 years.
ACCESSING OUR THEATRE
OV TOGETHER
Starting at £65 per year, our new-look Membership scheme, OV Together, offers a variety of ways for audiences to get closer to The Old Vic, including priority booking, special events and supporting our work both on and off-stage. For more information, please visit our website.
OV LOCAL MEMBERSHIP
The Old Vic has been at the centre of its local community for over 200 years and has remained a place open to all, whether it be to see a show, take part in an education project, attend a talk or workshop or to simply meet a friend for a coffee. This Season, to encourage those who live locally to use us as a meeting place to come together with others, we have launched OV Local, a free Membership. Aimed at those who live in Lambeth or Southwark and designed to give them more out of their visits to The Old Vic, people from those boroughs can register online for access to ticket discounts and money off food and drink in our café and bars. Local people can sign up online.
PWC £10 PREVIEWS
The Old Vic and PwC will once again be offering 17,500 seats across our preview performances for just £10, available to anyone and everyone with no criteria for access other than to book five weeks before the first preview.
MATINEE IDOLS
Inspired by recent studies reporting growing numbers of older people feeling lonely or isolated, and The Old Vic’s belief in the restorative power of the arts, we are excited to continue Matinee Idols, our scheme for people over 50. Open to individuals and groups, the scheme is free and offers the opportunity to attend a matinee at low cost and take part in a social event either pre or post show. This could involve a workshop led by one of the production’s creative team, a Q&A with someone from the show, a talk with Old Vic staff or a look backstage – all with plenty of opportunities to chat and make new friends.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Old Vic is an independent, not-for-profit theatre that has been a beacon of creativity for over two centuries, solely reliant on box office receipts, philanthropic donations and support from businesses to sustain both its artistic and social mission work. That is why working in partnership with companies like RBC and PwC is so critical for us, and we are indebted to them for their generosity and vision.
Principal Partner – Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of the largest banks in the world and Canada’s largest company and financial institution by market capitalisation, became The Old Vic’s Principal Partner at the beginning of Matthew Warchus’ Artistic Directorship in 2015, and has committed to stand alongside The Old Vic and support the theatre throughout the remainder of his tenure.
By continuing to support The Old Vic to produce broad and varied seasons for our main stage, even in the aftermath of the continuous challenging financial landscape caused by the pandemic, RBC’s seminal support enables us to honour the theatre’s heritage as an adventurous hub of creativity with a strong social mission. Furthermore, this partnership will enable The Old Vic to offer vital employment to the freelance creative community, and positively contribute to the wellbeing of our audiences by giving them the opportunity to reunite and reconnect.
In the face of the challenges during The Old Vic’s longest period of closure, RBC generously evolved and enhanced its support to enable The Old Vic’s artistic and social mission work, including support of the OLD VIC: IN CAMERA series, Curtain Up, Take the Lead; and became Principal Partner of The Old Vic’s Emerging Talent Programme, nurturing the theatre makers of tomorrow to ensure a generation of talent is not lost following the crisis.
‘We applaud everyone at The Old Vic for their resilience and strength through this incredibly challenging time’ said Dave Thomas, CEO, RBC Europe. ‘As Principal Partner since 2015, Royal Bank of Canada has been privileged to support The Old Vic throughout the pandemic and is delighted that their doors are open again for live audiences. As supporters of the arts globally, we recognise the important role the sector plays in enhancing people’s lives by entertaining, educating and engaging audiences and the broader community.’
Promoting world-class excellence, diversity and inclusion in the arts has always been a long-standing priority for RBC and reflects RBC’s global commitment to creating vibrant communities through donations, community investments, sponsorship and employee volunteer activities. In 2021, RBC contributed more than C$140 million to causes around the world, including support to mitigate the human and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Previews Partner – PwC
PwC, one of the leading professional services networks in the world, and one of The Old Vic’s longest and most loyal partners, renewed its invaluable support as The Old Vic’s Previews Partner at the beginning of Season 7 to make world-class theatre widely accessible.
Together, each season, The Old Vic and PwC make 17,500 seats across our preview performances available for just £10, available to anyone and everyone. It is one of the few ticket initiatives within the arts sector with no criteria for access which genuinely inspires a new audience to experience the joy and power of theatre.
This year, we are celebrating a decade of partnership with over 104,000 people having enjoyed world-class theatre thanks to the PwC £10 Previews, with 36% of those bookers coming through The Old Vic’s doors for the very first time.
PwC’s commitment to supporting and enriching the communities in which it operates resonates with The Old Vic’s long-standing social conscience and desire to be a theatre for all people. We are incredibly proud to partner with PwC, whose continued support enables us to reach the communities who need it most, to ensure the unique power of theatre can be enjoyed as widely as possible.
Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC, said: ‘I'm proud that our £10 Preview tickets have enabled over 100,000 people to experience The Old Vic's thrilling performances. We firmly believe that the arts are for everyone, and we're delighted to continue with our commitment to broadening access to the theatre, as we mark 10 years of our partnership.’
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
A NUMBER
Until 19 Mar 2022
Tickets: £10–£65 (premium and VIP available)
Audio Described: Fri 18 Feb, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5pm)
Captioned: Mon 21 Feb, 7.30pm
COMING SOON:
VOICES OFF: WHAT MAKES A PARENT?
Mon 07 Mar 2022, 9pm
Tickets: £6
THE 47TH
29 Mar–28 May 2022
Tickets: £10–£65 (premium and VIP available)
Audio Described: Mon 16 May, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm)
Captioned: Tue 10 May, 7.30pm
JITNEY
09 Jun–09 Jul 2022
Tickets: £10–£65 (premium and VIP available)
Audio Described: Fri 01 Jul, 7.30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm)
Captioned: Mon 27 Jun, 7.30pm
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
12 Nov 2022–07 Jan 2023
Tickets: £10–£67.50 (premium and VIP available)
Audio Described: Fri 09 Dec, 7pm (Touch Tour 5pm)
Captioned: Mon 12 Dec, 7pm
Relaxed Performance (audio described and captioned): Sat 10 Dec, 1pm
CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING WITH MICHAEL ROSEN
Sat 17 Dec 2022, 9.30am–10.30am
Tickets: £12
Concessions: £6
CONCESSIONS AND TICKET SCHEMES:
ACCESS RATE: £20 for all performances and one carer/companion ticket per booking available at £20. Please visit www.oldvictheatre.com/access to join the free Access Membership and book online or call 0344 871 7628. Please note that this phone number is for access bookings only.
GROUPS: Group rates available; please see our website for more details.
OV LOCAL: Live in Lambeth or Southwark? Save 20% off up to four tickets per show (priced £20-£65) by joining the free OV Local Membership scheme.
OV MULTIBUY: Save £5 on up to four tickets per show (priced £20-£65) when booking two or more shows online at the same time.
PwC £10 PREVIEWS: Available to everyone with half of the house priced at £10 for selected previews.
SCHOOL GROUPS: (10+) £12.50 for Mon–Wed evenings and Wed matinees. 10% deposit required to reserve tickets – please have a credit card to hand when making your reservation.
SENIOR CITIZENS: (age 60+): Best available seats for £30 for all matinee performances only.
UNDER 16: 50% off Bands A–D.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL:
Peak: Fri 25 Nov 7pm–Sat 31 Dec
Off peak: 12–25 Nov 1pm and 03–07 Jan
Schools’ rates available for groups of 10+:
03–07 Jan, Mon–Wed: £12.50 per ticket across all price bands in the Baylis Circle.
12 Nov–14 Dec, Mon–Wed: £14.50 per ticket across all price bands in the Baylis Circle.
£25 Stalls and Stage Stalls tickets for all Jan performances.
Under 16s: 50% off Bands A–D for off peak performances and all Jan performances.
Senior Citizens: £30 for Bands A–C on off peak matinee performances and all Jan performances.
All concessions are limited and subject to availability.
All 2022 ticket prices correct at time of issue.
