The Young Vic, a theater still in revival

The Young Vic Theatre is an established alternative platform in London’s theatrical scene. Its origins date back to 1948, when it was intended for a youthful audience of 9 to 15-year-olds. Until 1974, it was part of the National Theatre. Over time, the theatre evolved into an experimental form.

In 2004, based on financial support from the Arts Council of England and its own campaign, the management decided to undertake reconstruction. The aim was to create a theatre of contemporary technical standard, providing high quality at low operating costs, while maintaining the uniqueness and charm of the informal environment. The intervention was handled by the architectural studio Haworth Tompkins, which, in collaboration with artists, created a seamlessly “flowing” space, changing the original structure and introducing new forms with an achieved effect of incompleteness.

The heart of the reconstruction is the former butcher's house, which houses the theatre foyer and offices. In the associated glazed section with a terrace on the first floor, there is a restaurant with a café. The space features a sensitive blend of the original patina of the existing building with the new form. This service neck, complemented by additional spaces at the back, forms the entrance area of an independent stage located on the eastern side of the complex. The reconstruction of this space retains the original spirit. The audience area has been enhanced with more comfortable seats and amenities. The main space can accommodate up to 500 spectators, depending on the configuration and arrangement. The theatre includes additional stages with capacities of 160 and 80 seats.

The exterior expression, of a beveled cuboid covered in perforated metal with effective red lighting at night, randomly resembles the New Stage by Peter Pal. However, in scale, it is significantly smaller. The theatre has two faces; the anonymity of the daytime is contrasted with the vibrant nighttime, just as when the spotlights illuminate the stage. The western side consists of a cuboid rehearsal space, whose façade is made of exposed brick cladding. The building "does not shout"; its structure fits excellently into the Southwark area, and its overall expression is unique and distinct. The Young Vic Theatre has been nominated and awarded numerous prizes, including the RIBA Award for 2007.