Stephen Browning Associates and Rob Colley
Business and Operational Planning. 2023.
Backstage is a new build, six storey extension to the rear of the Old Vic. The building has been designed by Hawarth Tomkins and is conceived as an open, welcoming and inclusive space for the local community as well as much needed additional space for the Old Vic’s educational and outreach team to work with young people from Lambeth and Southwark. Backstage includes a new studio theatre and rehearsal room, a rooftop events and entertainment space, a writer’s room and script library, a split level café and restaurant, and the Clore Learning Centre.
Stephen Browning and Rob Colley were asked to review earlier assumptions covering the use and operation of Backstage and to develop an up to date business and financial plan. Our new business plan included a detailed catering strategy which analyses the potential financial return from visitors, members of the audience and from corporate hires. We made recommendations concerning public programming in the events space, including talks with members of the company, workshops, book launches, literary events, wine tasting, local history presentations, chamber music recitals, poetry and play readings.
Our business plan also addressed branding, marketing, the management and staffing of the Annex and the day to day operation of the building. The final report also identified potential savings and operational efficiencies that would arise once the building was operational, including staffing, catering in the main house and savings from no longer needing external rehearsal and educational space. Our report and financial plan was accepted by the Old Vic’s Senior Management Team and Backstage is due to open shortly.
