Machinal
Machinal

Machinal

The Old Vic, London, SE1 8NB
  • Written by American journalist and playwright Sophie Treadwell, MACHINAL is coming to the Old Vic for a limited run this year.

    Rosie Sheehy (Oleanna, Chernobyl) reprises her critically acclaimed role in Olivier Award-winning director Richard Jones’ ‘outstanding production’ (Daily Mail).

    Based on the life of convicted murderer Ruth Snyder, Machinal follows her life from living with her mother and conforming to society's expectations of a woman, to marrying her repulsive boss and starting a family, to having an affair which drives her to murder her husband. True to real life, Ruth is tried and convicted of murder, ending up executed in the electric chair.

    MACHINAL is widely considered to be one of the high points of expressionist theatre. Directed by Arthur Hopkins for its Broadway premiere in 1928, the two-part play was notable for being the first Broadway performance of Clark Gable.

    The play was first performed in Britain under the name The Life Machine in 1931, with more productions following under the original name after that, including a Royal National Theatre production in 1994 which won three Olivier Awards, and the most recent production at the Almeida Theatre in 2018, directed by Natalie Abrahami.

    The cast of MACHINAL will also include: Daniel Abelson, Sam Alexander, Steven Beard, Daniel Bowerbank, Imogen Daines, Buffy Davis, Tim Frances, Carla Harrison-Hodge, Emilio Iannucci, Pierro Niel-Mee and Wendy Nottingham, with further casting to be announced.

    Book your MACHINAL 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