Today, The Old Vic has announced its upcoming year of theatre with Matthew Warchus’ Season 5. It will feature five major productions which will star the likes of Matt Smith, Claire Foy, Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Cummings.
Matthew Warchus has been keeping things interesting at The Old Vic since 2014 and the 2019/2020 season is no exception.
It will kick off with the world premiere of a new play by Old Vic Associate Artist Lucy Prebble based on Luke Harding’s book A Very Expensive Poison showing from 19 August. Matthew will slip into the director’s chair for Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs which will see The Crown stars Matt Smith and Claire Foy make their Old Vic debuts (dates to be announced). A Christmas Carol will return once again from 23 November. Alan Cumming and Daniel Radcliffe will star in a double bill of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame and Rough For Theatre II from 27 January 2020. And Local Hero – based on the Bill Forsyth film – will round off the main season from 18 June.
Further commissions and developments for 2019 include Ella Hickson with a new version of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Simon Stephens with a new adaptation of Ibsen’s An Enemy Of The People and a new play by Paul Unwin chronicling the birth of the NHS directed by Sarah Frankcom.
In addition to news of the brand-new season comes the launch of two new initiatives.
If you frequent The Old Vic often, you may want to take up the OV Extra loyalty scheme. It gives you discounts, insights, invites and surprises for just £5 a month.
It is also launching Matinee Idols – a social initiative created specially for those aged over 60. 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.
If all of that wasn’t enough, it was also announced that Tina Alexandrou and Olivier Award-winning actress Sheila Atim have been appointed to The Old Vic Theatre Trust Board of Trustees.
We don’t know about you, we’re super excited about all of the above at The Old Vic. It’s almost too much for a Tuesday morning.