
The Young Vic, founded in 1970, is a dynamic and innovative theatre known for its diverse and often experimental programming. Rebuilt in 2006-07, its award-winning architecture features a raw, industrial aesthetic with highly flexible performance spaces. It fosters an intimate atmosphere, committed to developing new talent and engaging with contemporary issues. The theatre is celebrated for its bold productions and accessible approach to theatre-making.
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Seating
- Main House (Auditorium)Expect the unexpected: flexible seating, intimate views, comfort varies wildly.
- Maria StudioIntimate black box with flexible seating; views are great, comfort varies.
- Clare StudioExtremely intimate, expect basic seating for experimental work.
Main House (Auditorium)
The Young Vic's Main House is a chameleon, shedding traditional theatre layouts for a bespoke experience with almost every production. Forget fixed Stalls or a Dress Circle; this large, adaptable space is custom-built for each show.
Capacity typically shifts between 300 and 600, often settling around 420. You might find yourself in a raked setup, in the round, thrust, traverse, or end-on, potentially across multiple temporary tiers.
Views are generally excellent, thanks to the intimate design and the unique layout for each show, ensuring you're always close to the action. However, legroom and overall comfort are a roll of the dice, varying significantly with the specific layout, temporary seating type, and the production's design.
While rare, restricted views can occasionally pop up depending on the set and temporary seating placement for a particular show.
Maria Studio
The Maria Studio is the Young Vic's highly versatile, smaller black box, offering complete freedom from fixed seating. Expect seating on risers or at floor level, often configured end-on, in the round, or traverse to perfectly match the production.
It typically holds around 150 people. Views are consistently very good, thanks to the intimate scale that keeps you close to the performance.
Just like the Main House, legroom and comfort are entirely dependent on the specific seating arrangement and the chairs chosen for each show.
Clare Studio
The Clare Studio is the Young Vic's most intimate space, a flexible black box primarily for workshops, rehearsals, and experimental productions. Seating is entirely adaptable, often at floor level or on minimal risers, in various configurations.
It typically hosts 50 to 80 people. Views are excellent, given the extremely close proximity to the performance.
Be prepared for basic, functional seating – it's a flexible studio, not a plush auditorium.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Young Vic Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- citizenM London Banksideabout 10 min walk
- Native Banksideabout 15 min walk
- St Christopher's Village, London Bridgeabout 20 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
Ground floor: Men, Women, Accessible (back of bar); Upstairs: Gender-neutral, Accessible.
Not available as standard.
Closed on Saturdays with no shows and bank holidays.
Stage door
No traditional stage door.
Location
Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LZ
Getting there
nearest first
- 3 min
Southwark
Jubilee - 5 min
Waterloo
BakerlooJubileeNorthernWaterloo & City
Step-by-step walking directions
The Young Vic Theatre is conveniently located in Waterloo. The nearest Tube stations are Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines), Southwark (Jubilee line), and Lambeth North (Bakerloo line). Waterloo East is the nearest Overground station. From Waterloo Station, exit onto The Cut and walk for approximately 5 minutes. From Southwark Station, exit onto The Cut and walk for approximately 3 minutes.















