The Brightening Air
The Brightening Air

The Brightening Air

The Old Vic, London, SE1 8NB
  • Brand new play THE BRIGHTENING AIR is coming to The Old Vic for a limited run next spring.

    How much of living is really just forgetting?

    The family home is more than merely a building. It can be a destination of pilgrimage, an inherited investment, a repository of memory or even magic.   

    And, for brother and sister Stephen and Billie, home is all they have. Mucking along in their decaying farmhouse, they’re doing just fine. 

    That is, until the arrival of an ex-clergyman uncle with an unscrupulous plan, a sister-in-law seeking a miracle, and a prodigal brother hell-bent on trouble. 

    A world premiere from Olivier Award-winning writer and director Conor McPherson (The WeirGirl from the North Country), THE BRIGHTENING AIR is an entrancing tale of fate, family and unseen forces in 1980s Ireland. 

    Book your THE BRIGHTENING AIR theatre tickets today!

    The Old Vic Theatre is home to a number of productions, including All My Sons and The American Clock. Read on to find out what’s on at The Old Vic, and more information about its venue and its facilities.

    Map & Directions: Old Vic Theatre

    CAPACITY: The Old Vic theatre has a capacity of 1,045.

    AIR-CONDITIONING: Yes

    BARS: Have a drink in one of The Old Vic bars before the show starts. Choose from Penny’s cafe and bar or Mark’s cocktail bar.

    WHEELCHAIR SPACES: There are four wheelchair spaces in the Stalls of The Old Vic. Transfer seating to aisle seats in Stalls is also available.

    DISABLED TOILETS: Yes

    HEARING IMPAIRED ASSISTANCE: Unfortunately there is no hearing impaired assistance available.

    GUIDE DOGS: Guide dogs are not allowed inside auditorium, but staff will look after up to two dogs per performance.

    NEAREST TUBE/RAIL STATION: The Old Vic’s nearest tube station is Waterloo

    BUSES: If you need to reach The Old Vic by bus, you can take the numbers 1, 4, 68, 176, 188, 501.

    NEAREST CAR PARKS: If you’re travelling to the theatre by car, the nearest car park is on Coin Street.

    PLEASE NOTE: The Old Vic will be making changes to the theatre and will be under construction until Autumn 2019. During this period, there will no loos in the building and the restaurant, Penny, will be shut for refurbishment. Instead, there will be temporary loos on Webber Street (left hand side as you come to the theatre) for all audience members to use, and the Dress Circle bar will be open to the public during the day for drinks and snacks. During the evening, the Dress Circle and Lilian Baylis bars will be open as usual, whereas stalls bookers will be able to purchase drinks inside the auditorium before taking their seats. Contact the box office with any queries/questions on this period.

  • The Old Vic

    103 The Cut,
    Corner of Waterloo Road,
    London,
    SE1 8NB

  • Full Seating Plan
    The Old Vic Seating Plan