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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Old Vic
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(London SE1) Theatre which has twice played a leading role in the nation's theatrical history. Lilian *Baylis became the manager in 1912 and turned it into a Shakespeare theatre (by 1923 an entire cycle of his plays had been performed). In 1931 she extended her activities to a similar programme for north London at *Sadler's Wells, but from 1934 Sadler's Wells concentrated entirely on ballet and opera while drama continued at the Old Vic. The other great period was 1963–76, when this was the first home of the *National Theatre. The Old Vic originally opened in 1818 as the Royal Coburg. It was renamed the Royal Victoria in 1833 in honour of the young princess, and later in the 19C it acquired its lasting nickname.
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