The Old Vic

The MSFF is proud to have supported The Old Vic through a multi-year Strategic Partnership, which has enabled the organisation to achieve its ambitious goal of creating London’s largest community company.

Comprising 200 talented performers, singers and backstage volunteers from all 32 London boroughs the company also delivered a series of extraordinary community plays. Formerly known as Old Vic New Voices, this inclusive, high-quality arts engagement project connected thousands of people across the city. It was open to anyone aged 16+, providing Londoners with a creative outlet; a chance to work with people from different backgrounds; and a forum to voice their concerns about universal issues, including the housing crisis, ageing population and environmental impact.

Over the MSFF’s grant period, 12,581 people engaged with The Old Vic Community Company. For some participants it fulfilled an ambition of developing theatre skills, pursuing a hobby or taking the next step in their careers. For many it offered a chance to meet new people, try something a bit different or rebuild self-esteem after a personal setback. The Company reported increased confidence (80%), improved wellbeing and happiness (91%), and expanded social networks (83%) as key outcomes of taking part.

“We are enormously grateful to the MSFF for their support of the Old Vic Community Company. It gave us time to consider issues of significance to society together and to make great theatre. But it also developed the individual skills of participants in a magical way that vastly increased self- worth, self-confidence and wellbeing. It was a phenomenal experience for all of us and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Hannah Fosker, Old Vic Head of Education and Community