The Old Vic series of Shakespeare productions in 1914. The building was damaged in 1940 during air raids and it became a Grade II* listed building in 1951 after it reopened. The Old Vic is the crucible of many of the performing arts companies and theatres in London today. It was the name of a repertory company that was based at the theatre and formed (along with the Chichester Festival Theatre) the core of the National Theatre of Great Britain on its formation in 1963, under Laurence Olivier. The National Theatre remained at the Old Vic until new premises were constructed on the
Neil McPherson (artistic director) Neil McPherson (artistic director) Neil McPherson (born London, 7 October 1969) is a Artistic Director and playwright. He was Artistic Director of the New End Theatre, Hampstead, from 1996–1997, and has been the Artistic Director of the Finborough Theatre, London, since January 1999. He was named one of The Hospital Club 100 by "Time Out" and The Hospital Club in 2012. He has produced over two hundred productions and co-productions with his production company Concordance. He trained as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama and was a member of the National Youth Theatre for seven years.