The Old Vic just launched Your Old Vic, a programme of creative, fun and inspiring events, projects and educational content to keep the theatre connected with audiences, and audiences connected with each other during these unprecedented times.

‘Today I’m very happy to announce this array of free online content which we aim to be fun, engaging, useful and supportive to our various audiences during this difficult time. We are facing a tough and even perilous year ahead, fighting for our survival like so many others in the cultural sector. But whilst our building is dormant, its heart is still beating and our sense of purpose – as an artistic powerhouse, fuelled by a spirit of fun and adventure, with an equally strong social mission – is stronger than ever.’, Matthew Warchus, the Artistic Director of The Old Vic, explained.

MATT SMITH AND CLAIRE FOY IN LUNGS © HELEN MAYBANKS

As they were rehearsing Lungs last year, Claire Foy and Matt Smith took the play on a couple of occasions to local schools in order to try it out in front of an audience before bringing it to The Old Vic’s stage. This experience gave them a chance to observe first-hand how taking theatre into schools can have a hugely positive impact.

As theatres were forced to close their doors, The Old Vic, with support from their newly-appointed Hub Ambassadors Claire Foy and Matt Smith, saw this as an opportunity to bring theatre into everyone’s homes and schools, for free. It is a resource for teachers, students, parents and guardians homeschooling, emerging talent, and anyone interested in theatre wanting to learn new skills.

The Education Hub gives audiences behind-the-scenes access to hear from artists and performers, and provides invaluable career advice, as well as resource packs for teachers, employability tips and inside guides.

‘Now The Old Vic, along with other theatres, is closed. But there is still good work we can do. Mostly through the social mission of the theatre – whilst the art on stage is on hold, we can bring our work to you at home, and in your schools. That’s the idea behind the Education Hub – a resource for teachers, students, parents homeschooling, young creatives of the future at home wanting to learn new skills; this is something that everyone can have access to, for free.’ – Claire Foy and Matt Smit

GEORGE MACKAY AND SHEILA ATIM

The Old Vic has also launched Playcrush Podcast, a brand new weekly podcast in collaboration with Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, hosted by the Sherman’s Artistic Director (and previous Old Vic Baylis Director) Joe Murphy. The first episode will air on Acast on Mon 25 May at 10am and will feature George MacKay (1917), with the second episode on Mon 01 Jun featuring Sheila Atim.

Follow the hashtag #YourOldVic for The Old Vic’s latest announcements on new content.