The Old Vic is one of the UK’s best-known historic theatres. Bennetts Associates was appointed to create a long-term scheme of improvements as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2018.

The proposals for the Grade II* listed building will create a more accessible and welcoming building with significant improvements to the foyer facilities and a re-planned and extended backstage.

With the successful purchase of an adjacent site, the Old Vic will now be able to create an annexe which will contain a dedicated education studio and sufficient space to house the whole organisation under one roof. The 1000-seat main auditorium, one of the best-loved in the UK, will be sensitively refurbished and re-equipped for the 21st century.

Planning permission was obtained in 2014 and, in summer 2015, Bennetts Associates completed a range of short-term improvements to the front-of-house areas while the Old Vic embarked on a fundraising campaign for the main works.