The Old Vic Tunnels, Underground performance space at Waterloo Station, London, United Kingdom.
The Old Vic Tunnels was a converted railway space beneath Waterloo Station that stretched across several connected passages and chambers. The network featured low ceilings, raw brick walls, and narrow corridors that gave the venue its distinctive underground character.
The project launched in 2009 when theatre group Punchdrunk and the Old Vic Theatre transformed dormant railway tunnels into an arts venue. This collaboration created a new type of cultural space that operated within London's arts scene for several years.
The space hosted experimental theatre productions and art shows designed specifically for the underground setting. Artists took advantage of the narrow passages and tunnel walls to create immersive experiences that responded directly to the unusual venue.
Access was through Waterloo Station, where visitors could locate the tunnel entrances. The low ceilings and cramped passages required caution when moving around, and sturdy footwear was recommended for comfort.
The space hosted the UK premiere of Banksy's Exit through the Gift Shop, giving it a notable place in British art history. This kind of event drew a specialized audience seeking experimental work and unconventional exhibition formats.
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