On his new role as Artistic Director at The Old Vic, Matthew Warchus commented:
"After 25 years of freelance directing I unexpectedly find myself running my favorite theatre in the world. Or, if you like, my two favorite theaters since The Old Vic can now transition with relative ease between London's best in-the-round space and the traditional, magnificent end-on auditorium. During my tenure I look forward to playing seasons in both of these great configurations.
My first season demonstrates our aim to present more productions per year, of wide-ranging work, in a 'something for everyone' approach which reflects my own eclectic tastes and love of this unique and uplifting art form. In its dazzling history, The Old Vic has been home not only to great acting but also to dance, musical extravaganzas, vaudeville and spectacle. This diverse heritage is a big part of my inspiration going forward.
When Lilian Baylis ran The Old Vic she kept a sign over her desk which read 'Dare, always dare!'. Taking my cue from her, my goal is to program invigorating seasons which are, by turns, surprising, smart, adventurous, and fun. Come and join in!"
The season at The Old Vic will include:
Future Conditional - a new play by Tamsin Oglesby featuring 23 young performers directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Rob Brydon.
The Hairy Ape - By Eugene O'Neill, directed by Richard Jones.
The Lorax - the premiere of the brand new stage adaptation of the ubiquitous Dr. Seuss classic by David Greig and directed by Max Webster.
The Master Builder - The Ibsen classic, newly adapted by David Hare with Ralph Fiennes in the title role and directed by Matthew Warchus.
Jekyll & Hyde - A new take created in the image of a dance thriller by one of the UK's most innovative theatre choreographers, Drew McOnie.
The Caretaker - Harold Pinter's The Caretaker starring Timothy Spall, directed by Matthew Warchus.
Groundhog Day - This brand new musical adaptation of the film is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by original screenwriter Danny Rubin, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and choreography by Peter Darling.
Rise - The Old Vic Community Company on The Old Vic stage for a week for the first time in this new commissioned work.
A series of Variety Nights inspired by The Old Vic's vaudeville history featuring household names and newcomers alike in comedy, music, magic and variety.
Stay tuned for further casting and booking information coming soon!