Our Mission

The promotion of opera, drama and ballet as carried on at the two theatres known as The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells, or any other theatres taken over by the Vic-Wells governors, and for the general development of the work begun there by Lilian Baylis

The Vic-Wells Association was founded between 1922-1923 by Lilian Baylis, who then managed the Old Vic. Lilian founded the organisation in the hope of building good social relations between audiences and performers. The Association's objective at that time was to support the activities of both theatres, and this is still the objectives of our committee and members today.

When Lilian Baylis re-opened the Sadler’s Wells theatre, the Association officially became the Vic-Wells Association. 

Despite the two theatres now being managed independently, the Association is to the two theatres what a supporter’s club is to a football team.

 The Vic Wells Association also administers The Lilian Baylis Trust (Ninette de Valois Trust), UK registered charity no. 208371. The trust makes donations in support of activities appropriate to the objectives of the Association.