History of Young Vic
An idea and a building
The Young Vic is two things: an idea and a building. Conceived in the 1960s' spirit of iconoclasm and improvisation, it opened on 11th September 1970 as a place in which younger directors, designers, actors, writers and technicians could present the great works of the world repertoire, classics and, from time to time, new plays in exciting productions and at the lowest possible seat prices.
The ideal proportions of its intimate thrust-stage theatre, built cheaply with a rough, light-industrial feel, reinforced by low prices for unreservable seats, created in concrete a dream of the inclusive, class-free society to which its originators aspired.
Over the last thirty years, the company has established a powerful reputation at home and abroad. In particular, the Young Vic has begun to be recognised as the major theatre in this country in which young directors can develop and practice their art.
