Study Tour: Backstage at the Old Vic

Tour

Wednesday 04 November 2026
08:30 - 10:00

Philip Vile

Join a study tour of Backstage at The Old Vic, Haworth Tompkins’ new extension creating space for creativity, learning and community at one of London’s most historic theatres.

Come along to this study tour of Backstage at The Old Vic, a major new extension and transformation by Haworth Tompkins.

Completed in 2025, the project expands The Old Vic’s creative, learning and community facilities while significantly improving accessibility across the historic theatre. Key points of interest include the new triple-height Cafe/Bar, Writers’ Room, Clore Learning Centre, flexible Greene Studio and an Event Space with an accessible rooftop terrace.

Explore how the extension sits alongside the theatre’s historic fabric, and how its timber structure, recycled and repurposed materials, natural ventilation and passive design strategies support a lower-impact approach to building.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two tickets per organisation.

Programme

08:30 Arrivals for registration and breakfast

09:00 Welcome

Lucy Millichamp, Head of Place, NLA

Lucy Picardo, Director, Haworth Tompkins

Laura Stevenson, Old Vic

09:10 Tour begins

10:00 End

Speaker biographies

Lucy Picardo

Director, Haworth Tompkins

Laura Stevenson

Executive Director, The Old Vic

Lucy Millichamp

Programme Manager, NLA

Accessibility

There is step-free access via the Backstage Cafe/Bar Entrance. Backstage is fully accessible via the lift. Any accessibility queries please email events@nla.london.

Meeting Point

The meeting point will be shared with attendees ahead of the tour