London-based design studio Haworth Tompkins has completed Backstage at The Old Vic, a major new extension to one of London’s most cherished historic theatres. Conceived as a vibrant civic space and a model of inclusive, sustainable design, Backstage inaugurates the next chapter in the Old Vic’s 200-year history.
Sited prominently at the junction of Waterloo Road, The Cut and Baylis Road, the Old Vic has been a hub of creativity and community since 1816. Backstage expands the theatre’s capacity and reinforces its mission: to invigorate, inspire and open doors through a world-class theatre accessible to everyone.
Cafe and bar © Philip Vile
The Backstage building is designed as a welcoming destination for the local community and a significant expansion of the theatre’s working and engagement spaces. Key facilities include a triple-height café and bar, a script library, a dedicated Writers’ Room, a new green room, a Clore Learning Centre, a reconfigured rehearsal space that doubles as a flexible studio, and an event space with a roof terrace.
For the first time in the Old Vic’s two-century history, the stage door and back-of-house areas are fully accessible. The extension provides step-free connections across all floors, accessible dressing rooms and rehearsal studios, an inclusive green room, and a rooftop terrace designed so visitors using wheelchairs can enjoy panoramic views across the London skyline.
The project is the outcome of more than a decade of discussion, collaboration and careful construction. The resulting building is colourful and convivial, supporting the Old Vic’s extensive outreach programme and functioning as a community hub open throughout the day. It has been conceived as a space for creativity, learning and gathering, supporting the full life of the theatre from writing and rehearsal to education, outreach and performance.
Clore Learning Studio © Philip Vile
Sustainability is central to the building’s design. The extension prioritises recycled materials, a low embodied carbon structure and passive energy strategies so it can serve artists, audiences and the wider community for generations.
Structurally, the building relies on low-embodied-carbon European spruce glulam and solid timber floors, chosen and engineered for disassembly and future reuse. Reclaimed materials feature throughout, from salvaged brickwork to the façade’s perforated screens and louvers that moderate solar gain. Natural ventilation, air-source heat pumps and passive cooling strategies substantially reduce operational energy demand. These measures combine to create a low-carbon construction model aligned with the Old Vic’s environmental ambitions.
Bar © Philip Vile
The refurbishment phases were completed within a 12-month period, and the new-build Backstage extension was delivered over 22 months. The project is a finely detailed, collaborative achievement that continues Haworth Tompkins’ ongoing exploration of how architecture can strengthen cultural and civic life in London.