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THE OLD VIC. NEW SINCE 1818.

BBH , London / THE OLD VIC / 2019

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Overview

Credits

OVERVIEW

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We observed a conundrum in The Old Vic Theatre - it’s age doesn’t match its attitude. Though it’s 200 years old, it’s as young and vigorous as a new theatre in what it creates. It’s been ‘new since 1818’. So, we embodied this in a character; a young woman, as the theatre herself. Enter stage left, Erin Doherty.

The film sees the 200-year-old occupy different corners of the theatre as different thoughts occupy her mind. She reminisces over old “faces”, observing masks found in the National Theatre - founded by The Old Vic. We see a Ballerina, nodding to the souls dancing in the Royal Ballet, which it too began. We hark back to its London origins by starting the film with Big Ben’s clock ticking; then end it with crowd sounds, referring to its now global presence. As well as memories, she sets her social purpose and creative philosophy.

Cultural/Context information for the jury

Whilst many know the Old Vic as a theatre, few are aware of its influential heritage and role in the community. It’s a charity, with no public subsidy. London’s theatre scene is fiercely competitive, so this Not-For-Profit needs donations and ticket sales to keep its doors open and its local community work going.

To embody the theatre’s youthful attitude (‘new since 1818’), we cast a young actor and rising star of The Old Vic, Erin Doherty, to play the 200-year-old theatre herself. It was on set when we discovered she will play Princess Anne in Netflix’s The Crown, Series 3.

Despite just a 4-week production schedule and only a £7,000 budget, it became global conversation. #TheOldVicTheatre was mentioned in 50 countries, with 38 million impressions. It won Campaign’s ‘Ad of the Day’, calling it a ‘beautiful short film’, with articles by The Drum, AdForum, Little Black Book and David Reviews.

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