• List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; 1. The search; 2. Seeking a public 1816–1834; 3. Seeking survival 1834–1880; 4. Seeking improvement 1880–1914; 5. Seeking Shakespeare 1914–1933; 6. Seeking the stars 1933–1940; 7. Seeking shelter 1940–1944; 8. Seeking supremacy 1944–1976; 9. Seeking an identity 1976–1983; 10. The search continues; Appendices; Bibliography.

"George Rowell provides an engaging look at the one remaining Regency theatre still in operation. In a humorous, conversational style, Rowell describes the major figures who contributed to the fortunes of the Old Vic Theatre from its beginnings in 1816." M. Susan Anthony, Albion

• List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; 1. The search; 2. Seeking a public 1816–1834; 3. Seeking survival 1834–1880; 4. Seeking improvement 1880–1914; 5. Seeking Shakespeare 1914–1933; 6. Seeking the stars 1933–1940; 7. Seeking shelter 1940–1944; 8. Seeking supremacy 1944–1976; 9. Seeking an identity 1976–1983; 10. The search continues; Appendices; Bibliography.

"George Rowell provides an engaging look at the one remaining Regency theatre still in operation. In a humorous, conversational style, Rowell describes the major figures who contributed to the fortunes of the Old Vic Theatre from its beginnings in 1816." M. Susan Anthony, Albion

• List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; 1. The search; 2. Seeking a public 1816–1834; 3. Seeking survival 1834–1880; 4. Seeking improvement 1880–1914; 5. Seeking Shakespeare 1914–1933; 6. Seeking the stars 1933–1940; 7. Seeking shelter 1940–1944; 8. Seeking supremacy 1944–1976; 9. Seeking an identity 1976–1983; 10. The search continues; Appendices; Bibliography.

"George Rowell provides an engaging look at the one remaining Regency theatre still in operation. In a humorous, conversational style, Rowell describes the major figures who contributed to the fortunes of the Old Vic Theatre from its beginnings in 1816." M. Susan Anthony, Albion