The Old Vic

Officially called the Royal Victoria Hall, the Old Vic is one of London's premier historic theatres. The 1,067-seat venue has undergone many changes in its history: It was first built in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, renamed the Royal Victoria Theatre in 1833, rebuilt and renamed the Royal Victoria Palace in 1871, and completely renovated in 1985. In all that time, though, the "Old Vic" nickname has stuck. The Old Vic was the first home of the National Theatre and the now-defunct Prospect Theatre Company, but now, the nonprofit venue presents a diverse array of classical and contemporary works.