The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Magazine

An Article by Liz Schafer

In October 1919 the first issue of the Old Vic Magazine (OVM), later The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Magazine, was published, at a price of 2d. The magazine was edited by Elisabethe Corathiel, followed later by Irene Beeston but, in reality, the OVM was completely dominated by the manager of the Old Vic., Lilian Baylis. She wheedled articles out of directors, performers, designers, backstage and crew as well as scholars, reviewers, composers, celebrities, administrators.

When the Old Vic Association was set up in 1923, the OVM became free to all members. At this stage in its history the OVM published vital information about the Vic repertoire for the coming month, announced births, marriages and deaths, advertised social events, and recorded the results of competitions. By the time it was retitled The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Magazine, a regular format had evolved; the magazine usually consisted of four pages of short articles written by members of the Shakespeare, the Opera and the Dance Companies, plus a “star” article from an outsider. Some of the contributors were, or became, very distinguished but many articles by, for example, backstage crew are historical gems as well. As the VWA has now celebrated its centenary, the Association is sharing some of the more remarkable articles online.