Old Vic London commemorates theatre closure on first anniversary

The Old Vic Theatre, London under Artistic Director Matthew Warchus have released a video commemorating a year of closure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uRKA4tgQjM

A year ago today theatres were forced to close their doors across the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the Old Vic have released a video showcasing the work they have created under the most difficult circumstances all whilst their theatre was officially closed.

Artistic Director, Matthew Warchus said “It was a year ago this week that we closed The Old Vic’s doors to the public, cancelled the last few week’s of Samuel Beckett’s ENDGAME, and postponed the highly-anticipated new production of Amy Herzog’s 4000 MILES.

At the same time we also made a commitment to do everything possible to maintain some kind of meaningful connection with you, our audiences, during this difficult time.  We had no idea, of course, that those initial weeks of lockdown would turn into a year of hardship, challenge and great loss.

Thanks to our incredible team of staff and associates, and exceptional philanthropic and government support, plus many many video conference calls, we have not only been able to uphold that commitment, in fact, we've connected with more people than I could have imagined, right across the globe.

And now it seems we are all finally at a turning point where the hopeful glow on the horizon is no longer just a mirage but a real destination to set our sights on. The theatre industry has had a severely bruising year but what hasn’t dimmed is its eagerness to step up and play its crucial role in rebuilding live connections and shared experiences. Delivering uplifting and mind-expanding stories, in a safe and joyful way, after more than a year dominated by separation, fear, anger and sadness, is utterly vital and it’s something we can’t wait to resume.

Thank you from all of us at The Old Vic for your extraordinary and unwavering support, and for joining in, over the last year, with all that we have been able to offer. I very much look forward to welcoming you back through our doors before long, and to sharing exciting, daring and magical live performances. Most importantly, I look forward to us being back together.

For now, I will leave you with this small celebration, framed in gratitude, of all that we managed to achieve together at the Old Vic, despite so much time spent apart”

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