“It’s fantastic. I’m exceedingly happy. R&D&Co have managed to hang on to the tradition in a modern way and produced something with a feel that does not seem at all temporary.” said Kevin Spacey, The Old Vic’s Artistic Director of our re-branding work.
Under the guidance of Sally Greene, the theatre’s owner, The Old Vic was determined to re-establish itself as the leading force in British and international theatre. With an illustrious 200 year history, actors such as Laurence Olivier, John Geilguld and Richard Burton have all graced the stage. Olivier described it as the most intenese actor-audience relationship he’d ever experienced. It was also important to everyone involved that their work wasn’t confined just to putting on great plays but that they also worked with the local community and encouraged a younger generation to get involved with the theatre.

The new branding had to reflect the glamour of the theatre as well of the quality of the plays. It was important to keep the tradition so we redrew the crest, keeping all of its intricate detail. It also had to work in modern environments such as the website and small in newspaper advertising. The lion and the unicorn really come to life with emotion. Alongside the tradtional crest, we created a bespoke typeface inevitably called Spacey. Drawing on the heritage of theatre-land signage and the glamour of Hollywood studio-era logotypes. Our guidelines set the standard on all aspects of the brand including how to photograph the cast in character. We developed a magazine format for the programmes, clarified their brand architecture as well as designing all their signage.
With Kevin Spacey as its new Artistic Director The Old Vic has once again taken its place as one of the UK’s leading theatres. The new brand identity captures their renewed spirit and artistic confidence. Recently voted as one of the UK’s top ‘Cool brands’ the judges said “The brand is bright and bouncy... Authenticity + innovation + reinvention seems to work pretty well.” We couldn’t agree more.
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