I realised while I read the programme at "The Real Thing" last Thursday, that I have seen almost all of the Old Vic productions since Kevin Spacey took over as artistic director. It's one of the few theatres where I pretty much trust that they will put on a great show, time after time, and I often buy full-price tickets as soon as they go on sale.
I particularly like the fact that you can select your own seats online so, by booking early, I nearly always get great seats in the stalls (the circle is too far from the stage for my liking). I usually seem to have plenty of leg space, the Pit Bar is very well run and well stocked and, although they cost a little more than most at £4, the programmes are always informative and well-designed.
Particular favourite productions of mine would be "All About My Mother", "Richard II", "A Moon For The Misbegotten" and "The Norman Conquests". For the Ayckbourn trilogy the auditorium was completely rearranged into a theatre in the round - I sometimes wish they had kept it like that, it was such a great space.
I really should take out one of their memberships, either a Friend or Patron - I quite fancy the one that includes first-night tickets and invites to drinks receptions - I might wait for a really spectacular year's repertoire and take the plunge.
Incidentally, "The Real Thing" was fantastic and much funnier than I was expecting - no wonder it appears to be sold out.
