This stamp issue marks the bicentenary of one of the most important venues in the history of UK theatre. The iconic Old Vic has hosted most of our greatest actors at some point in their careers, ten of whom, from the past 60 years, are featured on these eight stamps: 1st class - Laurence Olivier and Glenda Jackson; £1.25 - Albert Finney and Maggie Smith; £1.45 John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Sharon Benson: £1.55 Judi Dench, John Stride and Richard Burton.
The Gold 500 cover has an image of William Shakespeare supported by a glittering 22ct gold-blocked design together with a 1964 Shakespeare Festival 6d commemorative and bears a Shakespeare Road, London pictorial handstamp. Signed by Indian-born British sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor who was elelcted a Royal Academician in 1999.
