The Young Vic was the brainchild of Frank Dunlop and Laurence Olivier. Built on The Cut near Waterloo in 1970, the structure was originally intended to last 5 years and cost just £65,000. It lasted much longer and is now a vital part of London’s theatrical landscape.

The standards and accolades on the stage at the Young Vic are exceptional high, however over the years the spaces around the main theatre have become less suitable for audiences staff and actors.

In 2002 the Young Vic began a major redevelopment campaign. Central to this was to retain the intimacy of the main theatre and the “butcher’s shop” - the box office area that was the only part of a row of buildings left standing after a second world war bomb. The aim was to create new performance and rehearsal spaces, a bigger and better workshop with easy access to the main theatre, more welcoming facilities and spaces for audiences and decent working conditions for the staff. Haworth Tompkins Architects were appointed to design the theatre.

LCA was brought in during 2003 to help the Young Vic achieve planning consent and advise on the Young Vic’s cause across London with particular focus on public agencies and key influencers At the time LCA was looking for a new charitable client and was delighted to take on the challenge.

Over the next 2 years LCA provided pro bono advice to the Artistic Director, David Lan, and Development Director, Caroline Jones, on a range of media relations and public affairs issues. These included major events for stakeholders, advice on the packaging of the planning application and PR activity.

The Young Vic achieved planning consent in 2004, has raised almost all of the £12.5 million project cost, including a vital £500,000 from the LDA, and positioned itself as one of the most important capital projects in London’s cultural sector.

Throughout this period LCA worked for the Young Vic through to the successful re-opening of their new theatre, which opened on time and on budget in October 2006. We hope that our work will ensure a few first night seats!

Artistic Director David Lan said
“I have greatly appreciated LCA’s contribution during our redevelopment project. They have provided a consistent focus and guidance through a time of great challenge, competing priorities and a wide range of communication needs. LCA worked very well alongside our in-house team to add value and insight where it was most needed. We are grateful to them for their valuable support and look forward to working with them again over the next year".