The Old Vic Launches Fundraising Campaign To Modernise The Theatre Foyer With More Loos

At The Old Vic, London's independent, not-for-profit theatre, we believe that theatre needs to be supported and shared by as many people as possible. Our work aims to be surprising, unpredictable, ground-breaking, rule-breaking, accessible and uplifting. Yet we recognise that if it cannot be seen in comfort by those with access needs or by women, there is a problem to solve.

Today, to mark its bicentenary, The Old Vic (along with some familiar faces) launches a public fundraising campaign to support upgrades to the building that will, for the first time in its 200 year history, provide access for disabled patrons to the front of house spaces including the Box Office, the basement bar, main foyer and auditorium. In addition, the ladies' loo provision will be doubled to address the growing issue of interval queues - the number one complaint of Old Vic audiences. Hear more from Old Vic staff, and Old Vic Bicentenary Ambassadors Rupert Everett, Glenda Jackson and Joanna Lumley, amongst others.

Watch the video:

Their messages join with us in asking for your help to raise an additional £100k towards our target to complete the project. The Old Vic is a registered charity in receipt of no regular public subsidy and every penny raised through ticket sales or donations is needed to create the work on stage and with the community. To revitalise the building requires even more fundraising and, today, the theatre is calling on friends and supporters to help. Help this iconic institution give something back to its audiences.

Due to break ground in January 2019, the upgrades you will be helping us to realise are:

• A new accessible entrance from Waterloo Road into the reconfigured foyer which will allow disabled patrons access to The Old Vic foyer

• An accessible lift from the new entrance to the basement café and loos

• Doubling the amount of ladies' loos with additional cubicles in the basement and on the top level

• A reconfigured foyer area with new bar facilities and box office, again accessible for everyone to use

Melanie Reid, writer for The Times and Capital Project Ambassador said in support: 'Old buildings are extraordinarily difficult and expensive to adapt and I salute the vision and energy which have led The Old Vic team to address their access problem head on. The plan to make this legendary theatre accessible to all, fit for purpose for its next century, are inspirational. I urge you all to help make the restoration possible. It is a vital cause. Let us not be a tribe apart'

This launch announcement marks the second phase of a multi-phase plan of capital works that are extensive and necessary in order to invest, transform and renew this vibrant theatre. From within the Grade II* listed auditorium 1,000 people are entertained every night, through an inspiring, accessible gateway to varied and exciting kinds of theatre and theatre making. The Old Vic is a place where a wider range of people can come to entertain new ideas and enjoy the vast emotional, social, political, spiritual and cultural benefits that theatre can bring. In order to protect and sustain this life enhancing theatre for many years to come, building improvements must be made now.

Donations from £10 can be made through oldvictheatre.com/ovtomorrow by Lighting Up Our Future or Naming A Seat from £500. Any donation, no matter how large or small, will make a big difference.

It is also possible to donate by texting OVTM19 £10 to 70070.