The Old Vic Tunnels: Hell’s Half Acre 12th – 17th October

November 3, 2010

I had been meaning to experience the Tunnels beneath Waterloo Station for a long time, then finally last week I visited this amazing space for the first time: I discovered a maze of underground passages providing an unexpectedly intimate performance space and an ideal backdrop for evocative exhibitions. This cold, smelling of mould and massive underground labyrinth of high, vaulted brick tunnels forms a magical space as a subterranean arena for non-profit theatre pieces and art works.

Hell’s Half Acre is a group exhibition presented by Lazarides Gallery in collaboration with The Old Vic Tunnels, showcasing a large-scale evocation of Dante’s Inferno through the interpretation given by more than 20 selected artists.

: The Heretics’ Gate – Video Installation by Doug Foster

The Old Vic has acquired a licence from Lambeth Council to use Tunnels 228-332 beneath Waterloo Station as a performance venue in 2010 and have named them The Old Vic Tunnels.

After last year’s success of Tunnel 228 The Old Vic Tunnels started in February 2010 an innovative series of surprising arts events, hosting a variety of works ranging from exciting theatre performances, film screening, visual art exhibitions and music.

: Object Desire – Installation by Paul Insect

Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director at The Old Vic, is the drive behind the thrilling plan for the development of this incredible space, where exciting performances and creative collaborations will feature throughout the year and new shows will be put on in 2011.

The Idol Kids of Today - Sculptural Installation by Antony Micallef

The Idol Kids of Today - Antony Micallef

Graffiti Artist Banksy has recently worked with the Old Vic in the tunnel creating The Lambeth Palace pop up cinema, accessed through Leake Street. It is a 150 seat auditorium labelled London’s newest, darkest and dirtiest cinema. Previewing Banksy’s first film, Exit through the Gift Shop, Leake Street has received a considerable amount of media attention.

NEXT DATES

PLATFORM
Sunday 7 – Sunday 14 November
A major production by the Old Vic New Voice’s community department called PLATFORM which will see 100 Londoners creating a new piece of theatre for the space. Free event
CART MACABRE
Saturday 4 – Wednesday 22 December

www.livingstructures.co.uk

A Living Structures and Old Vic co-production in The Old Vic Tunnels. All tickets are limited to 32 per performance and will be £14 each.

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 November
www.submit2gravity.com

Submit2gravity offers artists opportunities to exhibit in alternative spaces.
DECEMBER NIGHTS
Fri 17 & Sat 18 December
Doors open 9pm. Tickets £6

http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=63

http://www.oldvictheatre.com/ovnv/platform.php

http://www.lazinc.com/